Source: Team_Talk
Smith savouring feast of Steven
Walter Smith has urged Steven Naismith to continue his excellent form as Rangers face Valencia in the Champions League.[LNB] Naismith grabbed the only goal of their last European outing, against Bursaspor at Ibrox, to hand the Scottish champions their first win of the campaign following a goalless draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford.[LNB]He was then on the scoresheet again earlier in the week, this time for Scotland against world champions Spain.[LNB]"He's getting an injury-free run and that's the biggest thing for him," said Smith.[LNB]"He was bothered by injury and for a couple of seasons he never really got a run going in the team.[LNB]"He showed good form maybe on an inconsistent basis simply because of the fact he was out through injury. He has had a full pre-season and he has been playing at the level he is playing at now since then, which is terrific.[LNB]"We just hope he can keep it going. He is a terrific professional and everybody here is delighted he has overcome the difficulties he has had with his injuries. He is looking strong and playing exceptionally well for us."[LNB]Smith added: "His number of goals has been terrific considering he is out on the wider areas.[LNB]"You would expect his number of goals to come from someone in a more central position. Hopefully he can keep going."[LNB]Rangers play host to the Spaniards before visiting Celtic Park on Sunday for the first derby of the season, and Smith has backed his players to cope.[LNB]He said: "It's another big week for us and they keep coming.[LNB]"I thought it was a big week prior to the internationals when we had games at Pittodrie and Tynecastle with a Champions League game inbetween.[LNB]"We have a Champions League game on Wednesday and then we are at Celtic Park next Sunday. They are big games.[LNB]"We have started the season well and so have Celtic and we want to keep that going. We've had tough games this season and it has been a good thing for us and hopefully we can keep that going."[LNB]Skipper David Weir is relishing another important period for Rangers.[LNB]Weir said: "That's how Rangers should be, the size of the club and with the history it's got, that's the level of competition you've got to be involved in and part of.[LNB]"That's what we are here for. It will be a very difficult week and a big ask but we are up for the challenge and we are looking forward to it."
