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Walter Smith wary of PSV Eindhoven threat at Ibrox

Rangers manager Walter Smith
Smith feels Kyle Bartley's header may have been the best chance of the match

Rangers manager Walter Smith has warned that PSV may prove to be a more dangerous threat away from home after the sides drew 0-0 in Eindhoven.

The Europa League last-16 tie is finely balanced going into next Thursday's return leg at Ibrox.

"In the second leg, a lot depends on circumstances of the match. We will have to do more attacking," said Smith.

"For them the away goal is a big thing. PSV can be equally dangerous, if not more so, in the game at Ibrox."

Smith praise for Rangers performance

Smith's men produced a dogged display to stifle PSV at the Philips Stadion.

"We are very pleased with the result," Smith said. "We expected the type of game we got. We knew we would have to defend very well and we managed to do so.

"We are very pleased with the outcome. We had one or two bits of luck and there were one or two poor finishes but overall we were excellent in terms of restricting PSV to few opportunities.

"We may have, in the end, got one (goal) ourselves, the goalkeeper made probably the best save of the game from Kyle Bartley's header.

"We've got to be pleased at coming away (with a draw) against a team that are doing exceptionally well at the moment.

Rangers goalkeeper Neil Alexander
Alexander kept a clean sheet at the Philips Stadion

"A 0-0 for them isn't the worst result you can get; we've had that situation ourselves on many occasions over the last couple of seasons. You know if you go away from home and get a goal, it's a huge advantage for you."

Neil Alexander started in goal in place of regular first choice Allan McGregor with the former expected to feature in this month's Co-operative Insurance Cup final against Celtic, as is customary for that competition.

"He handled it very well," said Smith. "Coming into the final stages of the season, we have to make sure both goalkeepers are available and match-fit with the required sharpness.

"Neil's a terrific trainer, he keeps himself in good shape. He played very well tonight, as he has done at any stage we've asked him to play."

Shortly before Rangers took to the field in Eindhoven, the Scottish FA announced that Ibrox assistant manager Ally McCoist and Celtic boss Neil Lennon would serve touchline bans following their clash at the end of last week's Old Firm game.

It's a concern that it happened, never mind that we have injuries or anything like that

Walter Smith contemplates possible suspensions for Madjid Bougherra and El Hadji Diouf

And Smith was unsure as to whether his club would appeal McCoist's two-match suspension.

"We don't know," said Smith. "We only found out before the game so we haven't had a chance to sit down and talk about it.

"Obviously we are disappointed that the thing happened, that's something that happens. It's a two-match ban and he will have to sit out a couple of games, basically that's it."

There could be player suspensions for Smith to deal with as well after Madjid Bougherra and El Hadji Diouf were ordered to appear before the SFA's disciplinary committee following their actions in the same Old Firm derby.

"It's a concern that it happened, never mind that we have injuries or anything like that," added Smith.

"We have already stated that we are a little bit disappointed by their actions so we will just have to wait and see what happens."



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see also
PSV Eindhoven 0-0 Rangers
10 Mar 11 |  Rangers
Weir contemplates another season
09 Mar 11 |  Rangers
Numan lauds Gers & PSV progress
08 Mar 11 |  Rangers


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