By Alasdair Lamont

Walter Smith admits he will not miss the Old Firm derby fixtures when he retires as Rangers manager at the end of the season.

A victory over Celtic on Sunday would put Smith ahead of legendary managers Jock Stein and Scot Symon in terms of wins in Old Firm games.

But the Rangers boss, who has 26 such victories to his name, says the games are fraught occasions.

"I must admit it's a kind of nervy day," added Smith.

Despite the jitters involved, Smith thinks both sides go into Sunday's match brimming with confidence as a result of their respective 100% SPL records this season, with Rangers also buoyed by an impressive Champions League campaign, most recently in the 1-1 draw with Valencia on Wednesday.

"I think the way both teams have started the season, both seem to be playing confidently and will be looking forward to Sunday's game," he added.

"Both teams have every right to be confident. Maybe because of the fact we've both won eight games this year's four Old Firm games will take on an added importance.

"There may not be as many points dropped - there're certain to be points dropped - but maybe not as many as the past. We'd both dropped far more points last season."

Smith, who stressed he did not plan to use the five-at-the-back formation that has served Rangers well in Europe against Celtic, praised his opposite number Neil Lennon for the impact he has made since taking over as Celtic manager.

"He made a very brave decision to turn round a whole bunch of players," said Smith.

"Normally they take a while to settle in and you might expect in the first period of the season a bit of inconsistency, but there they are sitting on exactly the same number of points as ourselves.

"So it's great credit to him that he's managed to settle his squad down and win all the matches they've played in the league so far.

"The European games might have come a bit early for a brand new team, but he's got them settled in a domestic sense, so they'll be hoping to take advantage of being at home. I think the home games for both teams could be important."

Meanwhile, in-form Rangers forward Steven Naismith believes Celtic boss Neil Lennon deserves credit for instilling a winning mentality at Parkhead.

"The biggest thing, without doubt, is the good bond," he said.

"He has brought the winning feeling back to them. It's surprising, when you do change so many players, to get that so quickly.

"Neil Lennon has managed to get that at Celtic and that's probably why they have had such a good start to the season."

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