Title challenge surprises Smith

11 May 2011 17:30

Walter Smith admits he did not expect his Rangers team to win the Clydesdale Bank Premier League this season.

So he believes his players will be worthy winners if they go on to clinch the title. Rangers took a huge step towards claiming a third consecutive championship on Tuesday night when they beat Dundee United 2-0 at Ibrox thanks to goals from Nikica Jelavic and Kyle Lafferty to move four points ahead of Celtic before their rivals' trip to Tynecastle.

"We are happy to be getting to the stage of the season we're at now where we are coming to a conclusion," Smith told the Rangers News.

Rangers, who close their campaign against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Sunday, have kept pace with Celtic throughout the season despite being outspent by their rivals. Smith was unable to buy a player for almost two years until signing Jelavic in August for £4million, but soon lost the Croatia striker for almost four months to an ankle injury.

The financial uncertainty was only cleared up last week when Craig Whyte finally completed his takeover of the club, allowing players the chance to plan long term after living under threat of being sold in recent seasons.

Smith also suffered the losses of Lee McCulloch and Jamie Ness in recent months, as well as seeing top goalscorer Kenny Miller depart in January, and he believes his players' adaptability makes them worthy of winning a medal.

He added: "If I'm honest, we're maybe a bit surprised as well to still be in contention to win the title after all we've had to go through. From that point of view, I don't think I could say anything other than that the players would deserve it if they won the league.

"I've taken a lot of pride in what the team have done over the last four and a half years and especially in the last couple of seasons when the team has won titles. The boys have had a very awkward situation where they've all been up for sale and contracts have not been renewed.

"It has not been an easy time but despite all that, they have handled things superbly and got on with their task. The players have been great. All the boys who have played with us have shown a great level of commitment towards playing for the club.

"It has been a very successful period and my biggest hope is we can get ourselves more silverware this week."

Source: PA