Source: Team_Talk
Nerves no worry for Gers boss
The Rangers boss has been involved in dozens of games against the Parkhead club during his two spells at Ibrox although, somewhat surprisingly, this will be the first Old Firm cup final of his managerial career.
Smith, 61, is experienced enough to know what to expect on Sunday but relishes the tension that surrounds the fixture.
"Rangers and Celtic games always bring a bit of nervousness which is great," he said.
"Even at this stage of my career, I still get nervous but it's welcome and I like it.
"I like the pressure of Old Firm games. I've had quite a few of them and I look forward to it.
"We will enjoy the build-up this year. We never really got that opportunity last year, we had a big European game against Werder Bremen the Thursday night before the final against Dundee United.
"So, while I wish we had a bit of that (European football), I can look forward to the final more than I did last time."
The Glasgow giants are under some pressure to produce an exciting final following their drab goalless draw in the Scottish Premier League last month.
However, Smith believes the criticism of both sides was way over the top.
He said: "We suddenly went from a 0-0 in the last game at Celtic Park to the idea that all Old Firm game over the period have been hopeless.
"I've experienced quite a number of them and sometimes they are like that, there is a lot of tension involved.
"But the last one Celtic Park wasn't as bad as everyone was making out.
"Yes, we all want to see a goal or two but it's very difficult to achieve that on a consistent basis.
"I thought the game we lost at Ibrox earlier in the season was a decent game.
"Then we had the 4-2 win at Celtic Park prior to that and I don't think anyone could say that was a disappointing match.
"It was fairly evenly-balanced and there were terrific goals in it.
"So I don't share the view that all the games have been poor."
Rangers 13/8, Celtic 7/4, Draw 11/5
