I'd rather my side shows grit than shows off, says Rangers boss Walter Smith

Apr 13 2008 By Gavin Berry

WALTER SMITH insists he can forgive his team for not playing silky football every week because they always make up for it with true grit.

Rangers were praised for their slick passing in the 2-0 midweek win over Sporting Lisbon that set up a UEFA Cup semi-final showdown with Serie A giants Fiorentina.

Smith would love to see his side play like that more often but doesn't mind as long as they make up for it in terms of work rate.

He said: "We played well in Lisbon in terms of controlling the match and keeping possession.

"The players have been inconsistent at that over the season. But they have made up for it with endeavour and attitude which is excellent."

Only Fiorentina now stand between Gers and their first Euro final since 1972.

The Italians dumped PSV 2-0 last week to reach the semis with former Chelsea and Juventus hitman Adrian Mutu netting a double.

And Smith said: "Our scout Ewan Chester told me Fiorentina deserved their win but I'll get more information this week.

"They were relegated a few seasons ago so their rise has been remarkable."

Striker Mutu is the star of a Romanian reality TV show called The Phenomenon and former Ibrox skipper Lorenzo Amoruso (left) fears his phenomenal talent will hurt Rangers.

Amo, who also played for Fiorentina, said: "The Italians are similar to Rangers but the big difference is Mutu. He is an unbelievable player who can change a game in an instant.

"Mutu is out of the ordinary and will be difficult for the Rangers defence to mark. He isn't an out-and-out striker.

"He went to Chelsea as a world-class player and is getting back to that level. I don't even think he has hit peak form yet.

"Walter Smith doesn't have a player like him but Rangers do have an amazing togetherness."