Source: Team_Talk
Scottish roots key to Gers success
Rangers boss Walter Smith thinks a "Scottish influence" in the team has played a big role in the success enjoyed by the club since his return.[LNB] Smith, who returned to Ibrox three years ago, says he made a conscious decision to recruit players who fully understood the demands and history of the club.[LNB]And he believes a strong focus on home-grown talent is paying off as Rangers edge towards their second successive SPL title.[LNB]Smith said: "I decided when I came back as manager that I wanted to have a Scottish influence on my team.[LNB]"I don't think there's anything wrong with that and when we brought players in, we signed people who knew what this club is about.[LNB]"That has helped us along the way and it is something which has worked well for us. Sometimes things you try don't work but this has.[LNB]"I think the lads who have come in have enjoyed doing well here, especially those who have already played for other clubs in Scotland.[LNB]"They relish the aspect of trying to be successful and getting something tangible, in terms of winning, is a big thing for them."[LNB]Rangers' bid to wrap up the championship as soon as possible suffered a set-back when they lost 4-1 at St Johnstone in midweek.[LNB]And, as they prepare to face Hamilton this weekend, Smith reiterated that teams outside the Old Firm are more than capable of causing the Glasgow giants problems.[LNB]He told Rangers News: "Managers in Scotland have done an excellent job and that applies to Billy Reid too. He organises his teams very well.[LNB]"I keep saying that people don't appreciate how difficult it is to overcome the sides we come up against.[LNB]"Because we and Celtic collectively have won so many championships, they underestimate the other teams.[LNB]"Looking in from the outside in Scotland, some just assume we turn up and win games but they don't understand it isn't that simple."[LNB]Meanwhile, Hamilton could be without top goalscorer Mickael Antoine-Curier for the clash against Rangers at Ibrox.[LNB]The on-loan Dundee forward is struggling with a knee problem after returning from surgery to help fire Hamilton up the SPL table.[LNB]Accies boss Reid said: "Mickael played last week but he has had a bit of a setback and is 50-50 for the game."[LNB]Reid will also be without the suspended James Wesolowski, whose form since returning from a hamstring problem has also aided Hamilton's six-match unbeaten run.[LNB]"I said that when they came back they were big, big players for me," Reid said.[LNB]"They have come back and been brilliant. Mickael has scored some crucial goals and James Wesolowski scored our only goal last week and set one up against Kilmarnock the previous game.[LNB]"We'll miss them for a game but we will just have to deal with it."
