Source: Team_Talk
Smith: Euro exit a blessing
The Ibrox side moved back into pole position thanks to convincing wins over St Johnstone, Dundee United and Motherwell, which saw them net an impressive 12 goals in those three matches.[LNB]Smith now hopes the run of fine form continues into the festive period with games against Hibernian, United and Celtic - their three closest rivals - likely to have a bearing on Rangers' ability to retain their crown this season.[LNB]And he believes it is no coincidence the transformation in fortunes occurred immediately after the final Champions League game in Sevilla brought to an end a dismal European campaign.[LNB]"I think there is something in that," said Smith.[LNB]"I don't think there is any doubt that, when you are in the midst of the Champions League and it's going well, it's great.[LNB]"If you're not not doing so well, it's really unforgiving and it's a big test for everyone. I think that showed at times for us. Since that has been put to bed, we have settled down a little bit.[LNB]"The settling-down period after the disappointment of the Champions League has probably contributed to the consistency of play more than anything else."[LNB]Smith also believes a rejuvenated DaMarcus Beasley deserves some of the credit.[LNB]The American winger had found himself on the fringes when he struggled to force his way back into the first team after being troubled by injury.[LNB]But, having been drafted back into the side for the last three league games, as well as the clash in Spain, Beasley has grabbed the opportunity with both hands, impressing against Saints and netting against both United and Motherwell.[LNB]"The introduction of DaMarcus Beasley has also been a big thing for us," said Smith.[LNB]"I've said consistently that we need a wider player and that's what we brought him for.[LNB]"He had an awkward injury, which took him time to come back from, and, in the last two months, he has looked far better in training.[LNB]"In the last few weeks he has come back and played extremely well in the games. That's made a little bit of difference to us as well."[LNB]First up for Rangers is tomorrow's daunting trip to Easter Road to face a Hibs side who have impressed so far under John Hughes this season and who were just a point behind Celtic ahead of the weekend action.[LNB]"I'm not surprised," said Smith, when asked about the Edinburgh club's form.[LNB]"John has added a couple of players to his squad and Anthony Stokes has done well for them and Derek Riordan is always someone who can get a goal and has shown that over the years.[LNB]"They have the capability of getting goals and also have good stability in their team because they haven't lost that many either.[LNB]"It's a good mixture for them and they have been doing well."[LNB]Smith, who will be without midfielder Kevin Thomson tomorrow after he failed to shake off a calf strain, added: "Everybody talks about a better challenge. I said when you are involved in the job, that you have to knuckle down and get there, and Hibs have done that.[LNB]"They have handled the first part of the season extremely well."[LNB][LNB]
