Gaffer's Right To Keep On Looking

Jan 13 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

FORGOTTEN Rangers star Graeme Smith insists he doesn't have a problem about boss Walter Smith trying to sign another keeper.

Rangers wanted to land Hearts goalie Steve Banks as a replacement for Roy Carroll who is on the way to Derby.

But that hit the skids when the Englishman signed a new contract last week.

And while Smith's chances of becoming Allan McGregor's deputy would increase if Carroll left without a replacement he has backed the gaffer's decision to bring someone else in.

The former Killie star has yet to start a game for Gers but may be handed his debut against East Stirling in the Scottish Cup this afternoon.

And the lifelong Gers fan can't wait to run out at Ibrox.

Smith said: "The boss has to sign someone if Roy leaves. We're in a lot of competitions and can't have just two keepers.

"I'm only 25 and so is Allan. So I expect the manager to bring in an experienced goalie.

"But I genuinely believe I can eventually challenge Allan for the No.1 spot.

"It would be special to run out at Ibrox in a Rangers jersey.

"It has been hard to get a game because Greegs has been in such brilliant form.

"But if Roy goes it's a great chance for me to progress and be viewed as second-choice keeper at the club."

Smith knows he will have his work cut out to dislodge another shot-stopper but welcomes the challenge.

Graeme said: "My situation is similar to Mark Brown's at Celtic. When Artur Boruc was injured Mark played in a big Champions League game.

"He wouldn't have got that experience staying at Inverness.

"Being at Rangers has been amazing. When I went to Killie goalies were in front of me but I forced myself into the side. I want to do the same again."