Rangers boss Smith warns his players after stalemate against FBK Kaunas

A 0-0 draw against FBK Kaunas leaves Rangers needing to score away from home in order to reach the third qualifying round of the Champions League.

Three times during last season's run to Smith warns his players against away-day complacency the UEFA Cup Final, Rangers overcame similar first-leg stalemates to progress, knocking out Panathinaikos, Sporting Lisbon and Fiorentina following goalless draws in Glasgow. 

Close but no cigar: Kenny Miller can only look on as a chance goes awry

But Smith said: 'I don't think we should continue to look back on last season, that's finished with now. We need to look forward. Just because we did something last season, it doesn't mean we'll be able to do it again this season.

'We worked hard last season and had a bit of brightness about us. We're a wee bit short of that at the moment but I'm sure that, when the game comes around next week, we'll be a wee bit better placed.

'We have confidence because of what we achieved in the past, I don't think there is any doubt about that. But I will have to point out to the players that, because we had success on that front last season, it's not automatic that it will happen this season. We have to be wary of that.

'I'm confident that we can go away from home and do well - we just have to put in a performance that matches that confidence. If we can get ourselves in front over there, we can kick on. We feel as if we're capable of winning the game in Kaunas.' 

A potential £10million jackpot is the prize for reaching the Champions League group stages, with not even a UEFA Cup safety net there to catch Rangers should they get knocked out.

Smith added: 'I felt we started the game quite slowly. I expected to start with more pace and better passing.

'Give credit to Kaunas, they defended well and set their stall out to defend. On the break, they were always capable of getting an opportunity. I felt that, for 15 minutes before half-time, we had our best spell. We imposed ourselves on the game, played at a better tempo and created some half chances.

'We played in a very similar manner to Kaunas in a lot of away games last season. They made it very hard for us, they were difficult to break down. We need to be aware of that when we go there next week.

'The circumstances of the game will dictate how we play. If we manage to get in front, we can be confident of winning. But it will be an awkward game.

'It's no excuse for us to say they were sharper. We have to be a bit quicker. It's awkward coming in at this time of the year, getting up to the pace of the game. But, with the importance of this fixture, we needed to start brighter. That is something we'll have to improve on.' 

No way past: FKB Kaunas goalkeeper Marian Kello blocks a cross ahead of Rangers' Kenny Miller

Kaunas coach Jose Couceiro, who spoke with Vladimir Romanov before kick-off, said: 'Rangers are the favourites, I said that before this game. Now, after the first match, I still think they are favourites.

'Last season, I remember Rangers having three games here at Ibrox that finished in draws, then Rangers went on to win the second leg and go through. Against Panathinaikos Sporting and Fiorentina, they always came through in the second match.

'I expected them to cause us more problems tonight, different problems. The key was the energy levels of our team.

'It's possible that the second leg will be settled in the last 20 minutes, so Rangers' experience will be an advantage.

'There are no problems with Mr Romanov. People always ask me about my relationship with him. It's simple. He's the owner, I'm the coach. No problem.'