Source: Team_Talk
Smith issues Gers rallying cry
The two teams are set to clash again in the Champions League group stage opener at the Mercedes Benz Arena on Wednesday night, with the Scottish champions keen to buck the trend following a disappointing European showing from their fellow SPL sides this season.
Rangers clinched a 2-1 win over the Bundesliga outfit at Ibrox back in September 2007, before enduring a narrow 3-2 defeat in
the return match in Stuttgart.
The goalscorers in those two clashes - Charlie Adam, Jean-Claude Darcheville and Barry Ferguson - may have since departed Govan but Smith believes the nucleus of the squad, who then went on to reach the UEFA Cup final that season, remains.
And, with the likes of Madjid Bougherra, Pedro Mendes and Steven Davis added to the ranks since then, he hopes his side are even stronger than the one who gave a good account of themselves in Europe's premier club competition back then.
"Our team hasn't really changed a great deal since the last time we played Stuttgart two years ago," said the Rangers boss.
"But I would like to think we have improved in certain areas. We had a decent Champions League campaign two years ago and this will be the test for us to see if we have improved to the level that we hope for."
Stuttgart have not enjoyed the best preparation for the visit of the Scottish champions, losing 3-1 to Hamburg at the weekend.
The defeat leaves Markus Babbel's men 11th in the Bundesliga and with just five points from as many games so far this term.
However, Smith refused to read too much into their opponents' domestic results, insisting they will still be a formidable side to overcome.
He said: "Stuttgart had a fantastic end to last season and they went on a great run of form to finish third in the Bundesliga.
"Any team can have a shaky start to a season and they are only five games into their league campaign.
"I don't feel we have started the season that well ourselves, although we have managed not to lose a game."
Stuttgart's cause has not been aided by the fact star man Alexander Hleb is struggling with a muscle strain picked up at the weekend.
But Smith added: "Stuttgart have quality throughout their squad. They will be able to cause us problems regardless of which players they have fit or not.
"Away from home in the Champions League, you always expect your goalkeeper to have to make a save or two.
"Allan McGregor has always been one who can pull out something
special for us when necessary.
"I hope he doesn't have too much to do tomorrow night, but you always expect to be under a bit of pressure when you are away from home."
Smith will wait until after training this evening to decide on his starting XI, with Jerome Rothen - who made his debut in the goalless draw against Motherwell at the weekend - and Kevin Thomson both in contention to start the game.
He said: "We have decisions to make on one or two players, whether they are at full fitness or not.
"Jerome Rothen had his first game for a few weeks on Saturday which will have stood him in good stead. Kevin Thomson is another one who has not played a lot of matches."
