Source: Team_Talk
Young Gers provide cheer for Smith
The build-up to Tuesday's match at Dundee was dominated by debate over how much control Lloyds Banking Group has over the club and speculation about a potential takeover.[LNB]Smith also had problems to deal with on the pitch, with Madjid Bougherra, Pedro Mendes and Lee McCulloch all injured for the clash at Dens Park.[LNB]Youngsters Danny Wilson and Jordan McMillan both made their competitive debuts for the first team, while teenager John Fleck was drafted into the starting line-up and DaMarcus Beasley made a first appearance of the season.[LNB]"It's difficult for them," said Smith. "We made a lot of changes and had boys coming in who haven't played a lot of football recently and that's always a difficult factor when you pitch them into a game like that.[LNB]"You know that Dundee are going to be coming at you, it was a huge game for them, and it's an awkward one to handle.[LNB]"I was pleased overall by how we handled the game.[LNB]"When you're bringing a young boy in, it's always difficult for a young defender to come in and play. I always think it's slightly easier for players to come in further forward. But Danny Wilson came in and I thought he played very well tonight.[LNB]"He's normally a little bit more composed on the ball but he was just making sure he didn't make any mistakes.[LNB]"John Fleck, for most of the second half, played in what is his more natural position as a striker off the front type player. I felt once he settled there, he played very well."[LNB]Kevin Thomson was another surprise inclusion after being all but ruled out with a shoulder problem and Smith believes he will benefit from the outing as he bids to return to top form after a lengthy spell out of action with a knee injury last season.[LNB]The Rangers boss said: "He was keen to play because he has missed quite a bit of football so he put strapping on his shoulder and I was glad he got that 90 minutes under his belt.[LNB]"He needs a consistent amount of games to get back to where he was so we are pleased for him."[LNB]Rangers took an early lead through Steven Whittaker before Leigh Griffiths restored parity with a superb free-kick.[LNB]Dundee then enjoyed a period of pressure but suffered a set-back when Gary MacKenzie nodded into the back of his own net before Fleck sealed the victory for Rangers late on.[LNB]Smith said: "It was a good match, the type of game we expected to get. It was a very tough game and one we were delighted to have.[LNB]"We started the game very well and managed to get in front and then Dundee had the better of the last 15 minutes of the first half and the first 15 minutes of the second half and we had to withstand a bit of pressure.[LNB]"We were a little fortunate to get the second goal in the manner in which we did but that meant that Dundee had to push forward a little bit and we managed to capitalise with the third goal.[LNB]"It was a pleasing result for us because we have had tough games with First Division sides."[LNB]Dundee boss Jocky Scott had no complaints about the efforts of his players and felt the 3-1 scoreline was an unfair reflection on the tie.[LNB]He said: "The way we handled the game, the way we performed, the way we passed the ball and played - that is possibly some of the best football we have played this season and it was great to watch.[LNB]"I thought we were brilliant, especially up until Rangers scored their second goal. We were well in the game and I thought we were on top but unfortunately we didn't score and we needed to score when we were on top. I didn't think we deserved to lose 3-1."[LNB][LNB]
