Gaffer Walt Is Game For Hectic Spell

Feb 10 2008

WALTER SMITH is not worried by Rangers' massive fixture pile-up because a year ago he was having to arrange bounce games to keep his squad in shape.

When Smith took charge last January, Gers were out of both cups, also-rans in the SPL and only had the UEFA Cup to play for.

Now they are battling on four fronts and return to Europe on Wednesday against Panathinaikos.

Smith said: "Last year we were going fortnights without a game.

"I worried about the players not having enough match practice and we were organising games for a Thursday or Friday.

"We don't have that problem now.We face eight matches in 25 days and need our squad but it's still preferable to last season."

While winning the SPL remains Smith's main aim he is hopeful of a prolonged UEFA Cup run.

He said: "There's not much between the teams so we have a better chance of winning theUEFA Cup than Champions League."