Smith hopes Rangers will convert their chances in Athens

"I felt we created enough opportunities to get ourselves in front. Any of the chances we created tonight, Mario Galinovic was equal to," said Smith.

The Rangers boss surprised fans with his choice of strikers, Lee McCulloch being supported by Nacho Novo.

"Novo came in and did very well, but we didn't take our chances," Smith added.

Interview: Rangers manager Walter Smith

Interview: Rangers keeper Allan McGregor

Despite drawing a blank, Panathinaikos didn't cause Allan McGregor too much trouble at the other end.

The Ibrox manager said: "They are neat and tidy in terms of their possession of the ball, but they only had one worthwhile attempt at goal."

Looking ahead to the decisive return leg, Smith continued: "It will be a very similar type of game. Panathinaikos are doing well in their own league.

"We knew it was going to be tight and we feel confident we can score away from home.

"If we get the number of opportunities that we got tonight, hopefully we can take them."

Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor also expressed disappointment that his team couldn't muster a goal.

"I'm happy with the clean sheet, but with the chances we had we should have scored one of them," said the Ibrox number one.