Source: Team_Talk
Smith keen to keep cup runs going
Rangers ousted St Johnstone in midweek to book a meeting with St Mirren in the Co-operative Insurance Cup final.[LNB]But, before facing Gus MacPherson's men in that clash at Hampden next month, the holders must first dispose of the Paisley side in the fifth round of the Active Nation Scottish Cup this weekend.[LNB]Smith has so far managed to guide Rangers to every domestic cup final since his return to the helm back in January 2007 and he says his players deserve the credit for such an impressive record.[LNB]He said: "Cup ties are not easy to gain consistency in, although I must say since I came back to the club that we've done remarkably well in that respect.[LNB]"We've managed to keep reaching the finals of tournaments we've been playing in and that has been a terrific achievement by the players.[LNB]"It's not an easy thing to do because every team can have really good days and really bad ones. If you're caught on a bad day, your opportunities can be limited.[LNB]"We've had a great run over the last couple of years or so and our players have reacted well so they don't need to be told to keep things going.[LNB]"It's a credit to our players that they've got such a good record in the cups. They might not have the glamour of some former Rangers teams but they work very hard.[LNB]"We're a difficult team to play against and our players have handled themselves well but now they must keep that going again."[LNB]On the threat posed by the Buddies on Saturday, Smith told Rangers News: "We had a tough game there recently in the SPL and if you add the extra edge a cup tie can bring, it'll be a good match.[LNB]"Gus always has his team extremely well organised and they are a difficult side to break down."[LNB]Rangers' injury problems have been well documented but Saints striker Billy Mehmet believes they have enough quality within their ranks to cause problems for most teams.[LNB]He said: "It doesn't matter who they play, they are the best team in Scotland just now so we know it's going to be difficult.[LNB]"Whoever plays for them, we know we will have to be at our best and hope that we can get through."[LNB][LNB] Rangers 4/11, Draw 10/3, St Mirren 13/2
