We must keep winning - Smith

17 April 2011 07:30

Walter Smith watched Rangers move back into pole position in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League - then claimed psychological advantages count for nothing at this stage of the season.

The 2-1 victory over St Mirren at Ibrox allowed the Scottish champions to move one point ahead at the summit, with Celtic on Scottish Cup duty this weekend.

But Smith refused to read too much into any points advantage his team may have when Celtic come calling at Ibrox next weekend, and said: "Everybody keeps saying that but I don't think that's the case. It's fairly simple - if you are in our position you need to keep winning."

He added: "That's what we have to try to do but we are used to it because it's a pressure the Old Firm have to handle all the time - not just at this stage of the season but all through the season.

"I don't go for all that psychological stuff. Once the games pan out we will see who is in pole position. For me, it's always fairly simple - just win."

Rangers were again made to work for their victory when Steven Whittaker claimed the winner from the penalty spot after Sasa Papac's opener was cancelled out by Darren McGregor.

Smith said: "St Mirren are a very awkward team to overcome and they showed that last week at Celtic Park and again today. I felt they played very well.

"We are a little frustrated that we lost another goal at home after having three games away from home without losing a goal. But we are just delighted to win the game at this stage of the season.

"All that matters is to keep winning and hopefully we can do that. We face a few hard games over the next week or so and they will be difficult ones for us."

Source: PA