Source: Team_Talk
Walter denies 'hijacking' Weiss
Walter Smith has refuted suggestions that Rangers hijacked Celtic's bid to sign Vladimir Weiss after winning the race for his signature.[LNB] The Scottish champions swooped to sign the Manchester City winger on a season-long loan on Thursday, after the player was heavily linked with a move to the Hoops.[LNB]However, Smith claims he registered his interested in the 20-year-old weeks ago - well before he was aware Celtic had also targeted him - and insists Rangers did not steal him from the clutches of their Old Firm rivals.[LNB]"It's a nice media headline but I don't think that's the case," said the Ibrox boss.[LNB]"We enquired about the player just at the start of pre-season training, so you are looking at seven weeks ago.[LNB]"Manchester City said they couldn't make a decision at that time, that they would have to wait until nearer the end of the transfer window.[LNB]"They got in contact with us last week but there were a number of clubs in and we had no idea who they were at the time.[LNB]"We went back in to try and get a player we had asked about a good few weeks ago."[LNB]Rapid Vienna striker Nikica Jelavic should complete his move to Rangers later on Friday and Smith expects that deal to conclude his business in this transfer window, following the earlier summer capture of striker James Beattie.[LNB]He said: "We've managed to bring in three players for the first time in a couple of seasons and we are delighted with that aspect.[LNB]"We could be doing with a few more but I would think, financially, that would be us finished.[LNB]"We can't stretch it any further than we have done at the present moment."[LNB]Jelavic refused to play in Rapid's Europa League play-off against Aston Villa on Thursday night but would still be ineligible to play for Rangers in the Champions League if his former club progress to the group stages.[LNB]"It's the one drawback," admitted Smith.[LNB]"It's just something we have to put up with so hopefully Aston Villa can do us a favour next week.[LNB]"It would be a disappointment for him, I don't think there is any doubt about that.[LNB]"There is more involved than just the Champions League but that's a big part for any player.[LNB]"Villa have got the away goal and hopefully they can get the win next week."[LNB]Meanwhile, Weiss has no fears about a hostile reaction from Celtic fans after rejecting a move to Parkhead in favour of their bitter rivals.[LNB]He said: "When you watch players like (Cristiano) Ronaldo getting booed or whatever, I think that doesn't make you play worse, I think that makes you a bit more motivated.[LNB]"If I get booed by the Celtic fans, I will look forward to it.[LNB]"They are both big clubs and the Champions League was the main thing.[LNB]"Rangers were maybe a bit more dominant in getting me and it all went really fast and I decided to come here."[LNB]Weiss revealed that Smith also played a big part in his decision to opt for Rangers.[LNB]"He rang me about two days after I spoke to Celtic," he added.[LNB]"And, after I spoke to him, I decided what I wanted.[LNB]"He told me what his plans are, I told him what I want from this season and, after a chat, it was just the time when I was going to come over and sign."[LNB]Weiss also sought the advice of his father, Vladimir Weiss Snr, the Slovakia national team coach, who was manager of Artmedia when they faced both Celtic and Rangers.[LNB]"I always speak to my dad about everything I do in my football career," he said.[LNB]"He helps me a lot with everything. For him, this was a great move as well.[LNB]"He spoke to Lubo Moravcik about Celtic and, at first, he wanted me to go to Celtic.[LNB]"But, when Rangers came in, he told me to let it settle down for a few days and think it over.[LNB]"That's what I've done and I decided on Rangers."
