Walter: I Look At Craig And See Lot Of Myself

Mar 16 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

WALTER SMITH was surprised Craig Levein wasn't in the frame for the Scotland job after transforming Dundee United in the same way he has rebuilt Rangers.

The pair face off today for the CIS Cup knowing silverware would underline the progress their teams have made since being led out of the doldrums last season.

And that's not the only similarity Smith can see between himself and Levein.

They had difficult spells managing in England under extreme financial constraints when Smith was at Everton and Levein at Leicester. Then they both returned home to flourish again.

Former Scotland gaffer Walter expects Levein to follow in his footsteps one day by taking over the national team.

And he expected himat least to be on the SFA's shortlist beside the likes of George Burley, Mark McGhee and Graeme Souness earlier this season.

Smith said: "Craig has the credentials to manage Scotland. I was surprised he wasn't more in the frame.

"Craig did so well at Cowdenbeath then Hearts before going to England. There he found himself in similar circumstances to myself at Everton.

"Leicester ended up with huge financial problems and that culminated in him having to leave. But being sacked taught me a lot and I'm sure Craig learned as well.

"Since returning he has shown just how good a manager he is. After having one gaffer for 20 years United then had a high turnover of bosses in a 10-year period.

"So you can't take away the size of the task and the success Craig has had.

"United have improved every bit as much as Rangers in terms of results."

Smith is desperate to land the first trophy of his second spell at Ibrox. Old Firm fans have devalued the League Cup in the past but Walter insists it has played a crucial role in his career.

He said: "The League Cup was the first trophy Jim McLean won as manager at United when I was his assistant. Then when I came to Rangers as No.2 to Graeme Souness it was our first as well. I've won it nine times so it has been good for me.

"If you are successful you get a few hours to savour it then you're back into it again.

And we have a Scottish Cup tie on Wednesday against Partick Thistle."

Rangers have had little time to prepare for Hampden after only arriving back from their UEFA Cup tie in Bremen on Friday.

Smith said: "It's disappointing we haven't had the normal final build-up. But it won't take away from the sense of occasion. You can never ease the pain of not playing but the lads know we need a big squad."