Smith: We must convert domination

02 February 2011 10:30

Walter Smith is looking for Rangers to take the points along with the plaudits against Hearts at Ibrox on Wednesday

The Clydesdale Bank Premier League champions bossed most of the game when the two teams clashed at Tynecastle less than a fortnight ago but failed to press home their superiority and their title hopes were dented when Ryan Stevenson's second-half strike kept the points in Gorgie.

"The only lesson we have to learn from the last match against Hearts is that if you are on top in the game, in the manner in which we were at Tynecastle, then you have got to get goals," said Smith.

"At the time we didn't manage to do so and Hearts capitalised on that.

"If we could play in the same way that we did at Tynecastle then I would be delighted. But we have to look at playing in the same manner and also turn the opportunities into goals."

The third-placed Jambos' own title hopes were presumed to be over when they were thrashed 4-0 at Celtic Park last week but Smith refused to write off their chances on that basis alone.

"It doesn't mean to say that they are going to go away because they have lost one game," the former Scotland manager said.

"That result would have been an extremely disappointing for them but credit to Celtic, that was four goals against a team who don't lose a lot of goals.

"Every team will lose at some point throughout a league campaign - unless you are Manchester United at the present moment - and it's up to you to show you can come back.

"They did that at the weekend (against St Johnstone) so the challenge from Hearts will be there until the end of the season and it is a good thing for Scottish football."

Source: PA