Source: PA
Smith relieved to avoid Euro hangover
Rangers manager Walter Smith watched his side cruise past Dundee United and then expressed relief at maintaining the Ibrox side's 100% record in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League following their midweek exertions against Manchester United in the Champions League.
Smith felt their efforts in Europe last term had a negative impact on their league form and was concerned that the goalless stalemate at Old Trafford could hamper their chances against the Terrors.
However, he believes the 4-0 win at Ibrox was Rangers' best showing of the season so far as they moved into pole position in the SPL ahead of Celtic's game against Kilmarnock.
"The Champions League games are ones, for us, where you need to expend a lot of energy," he said. "There is mental tiredness as well because you need to keep a level of concentration for a hell of a long period so you always concern yourself a little.
"Last season, we dropped a number of points after coming back from Champions League games and you are aware of that aspect. So we are delighted with the way things turned out here."
"We are pleased with the win. I felt overall it was probably our best league performance since we started the season and we were delighted by the way we played."
