Source: Team_Talk
Smith commends Brown and Knox
Rangers manager Walter Smith believes Motherwell duo Craig Brown and Archie Knox deserve to clinch a Europa League berth for next season.[LNB] But he has warned them to expect no favours from the Scottish champions when both teams meet in the final Scottish Premier League game of the season on Sunday.[LNB]Well head into the clash needing to at least match Hibernian's result against Dundee United, while Rangers will be stepping up their title celebrations when they finally get their hands on the silverware.[LNB]Smith said: "We look forward to the game, especially the fact that we eventually get presented with the trophy, that will be nice.[LNB]"But don't forget, it's an important game for Motherwell. They still have their European aspirations after their 6-6 result the other night.[LNB]"Craig Brown has done a fantastic job for Motherwell, taking them from the bottom six and going into the last game of the season with a chance of a European place.[LNB]"It's fantastic for Craig. Both Craig and Archie have done a terrific job and, while we always look to win the games, I wouldn't begrudge them their little bit of history in terms of taking the team into Europe."[LNB]But Smith insists their last two games against Dundee United and Celtic are proof that his players have not put the tools away despite having already clinched their second successive championship.[LNB]He added: "We will go out and try to do as well as we can do, the same as any other game.[LNB]"This will be our third game since we have won the championship and I don't think, in terms of our approach and attitude to the games, that you can say they haven't handled it well. They have handled it very well.[LNB]"The other night, Celtic were the better team in the first half but we were better in the second half so there was a good reaction from our boys and that will continue through to the end of the game on Sunday.[LNB]"Motherwell will know, if they have any hopes of winning the game, they will have to play well to do so."[LNB]Meanwhile, Neil Alexander is hoping to use the game against Motherwell to impress boss Smith after first choice goalkeeper Allan McGregor was ruled out of action for around six weeks with medial ligament damage.[LNB]McGregor was carried off on a stretcher after just five minutes of Tuesday's Old Firm derby, with Alexander admitting he was stunned to be thrown into the fiery clash at Parkhead.[LNB]"I didn't have much time to think about it really," he said.[LNB]"It was only a few minutes into the game so it was a bit of a shock. It was unexpected but you have to just go on and try to do the best you can.[LNB]"Every chance I get, whether it's in the reserves or the first team or even in training, I just try to do my best and show the manager that I'm capable of doing a job here.[LNB]"It's another opportunity for me. I'm looking forward to getting a game and hopefully relishing a great occasion."[LNB]
