Cousin was on target in Rangers' win over Gretna at Fir Park

The forward has been linked with a January move to England, with Bolton, Middlesbrough and Fulham all reported to be interested.

"People can show interest in a player but it doesn't necessarily mean that they're going to leave," Smith said.

"He's scoring goals at the moment and obviously we're happy to keep him."

Interview: Rangers manager Walter Smith

The former Lens player's 74th-minute winner against the Black and Whites was his ninth goal of the campaign.

However, some sections of the Rangers support remain unconvinced by Cousin, and he has come in for criticism.

But Rangers boss Smith says it is important to be patient.

"Daniel is one of those guys who gets a goal and sometimes if the overall performance doesn't match up with it you just have to put up with it. There are a number of strikers like that," he said.

Cousin earlier indicated he was content to play his football in Glasgow, although he admitted he would be prepared to listen to other offers.

"I am very happy here but if a better offer came in from somewhere, I would have to consider it. Any footballer would do that," he said.

"But, I am pleased with things as they stand at the moment and I have no problems with staying at Rangers just now, none at all."

MY SPORT: DEBATE Should Rangers hold on to Daniel Cousin?

Despite beating Gretna, the Ibrox boss felt his team's performance was lacklustre in their first match since 5 January.

"We didn't reach the level of our last few games although I felt we deserved our lead at half time," he told BBC Sport after the 2-1 Fir Park win.

"Gretna's equaliser gave them a big lift and we had to work very hard and were a bit scrappy in some aspects.

"However sometimes you have to give credit to the opposition on the night."