Smith believes his squad can cope with a hectic schedule

Walter Smith insists Rangers will not ask the SPL to extend the season, even if they reach the Uefa Cup final.

"If, and it is a big if, we were to progress in all the tournaments then it becomes practically impossible for us to play the games," said the manager.

"But can I just clarify no-one from Rangers has ever asked the SPL to extend the season and we will not ask them to extend the season."

The SPL leaders remain in the Scottish Cup, having already won the CIS Cup.

And, if Rangers were to go all the way in four competitions, it would mean a staggering 68 games for Smith's men.

Celtic have already voiced their opposition to a league extension but Smith says Rangers would be willing to leave such a decision entirely to the SPL.

"If we do carry on being successful and we have the number of games then, from our point of view, you'd expect a wee bit of help," continued Smith.

I don't think the majority of our squad have been overplayed Walter Smith

"It might become impossible for them not to extend the season to let us fit in the games.

"But so far no-one from Rangers has asked the SPL or anybody else to extend the season."

Smith has employed a degree of squad rotation this season and has no fears about his players' ability to cope with such a gruelling schedule.

He added: "We've had a number of players that have played a number of games but only four or five have played a significant number.

"The rest of the squad have not played so many that would affect them in that sense.

"What will affect them is from now on we have practically no breaks, we have to play three games a week at least until the end of the season, depending on how we go in the cup competitions we're left in.

"I don't think the majority of our squad have been overplayed and the ones who have played a number of games are the ones who can handle it.

"The squad is extremely fit, which is a credit to Adam Owen, our sports scientist, he makes sure their fitness levels are very good and their recovery has been excellent.

"I think we are only getting to the start of what could be a very exacting period as long as we're successful. If we're not, then we'll not have these number of games."