Smith's side struggled to create many chances at Easter Road

Rangers manager Walter Smith refused to blame fatigue after his busy side were held to a goalless draw by Hibernian.

"It wasn't until the last half hour that we found an edge in attack and we had Hibs pushed back," said Smith.

"There was a bit of spark missing and that's the disappointing factor but I don't think tiredness was an issue because we finished strongly.

"The boys are in good condition but maybe we need to lift ourselves mentally for the start of games."

Rangers must entertain Motherwell on Wednesday and Dundee United on Saturday as the games come thick and fast for the Uefa Cup and Scottish Cup finalists.

The season has been prolonged by four days to accommodate the Ibrox club's fixture backlog.

But that is in sharp contrast to the Russian FA's decision to cancel all of Zenit St Petersburg's games before their meeting with Rangers on 14 May.

"It's ironic that one association cancels four games but that's the situation we are in," Smith added.

"Everyone in Scotland has made it quite clear they won't do anything for Rangers. We just have to do the best we can.

"I think the SPL have made it quite clear that they are not going to do anything like that.

"We have got games to play, we'll play the games if everyone thinks that's the right thing to do."

Goalkeeper Neil Alexander was disappointed to leave Easter Road with just a point and said: "It feels like a defeat.

"But we needed to be solid in defence because Hibs played well and put us under pressure.

"It's tough with all the games we need to play but it's fantastic to be involved. That's why I came to a club like this."

A booking for Carlos Cuellar means the defender will miss the visit to St Mirren on 19 May.