Smith ready for month of destiny

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The visit of Fiorentina on Thursday night in the last four of the UEFA Cup represents the biggest shock for Smith, who ended almost three years without silverware by claiming the CIS Insurance Cup last month.

Rangers are also favourites for the Clydesdale Bank Premier League and are in the final of the Scottish Cup, and Smith admitted: "This period that we are going through is probably the biggest test that I've had in my managerial career so far - and I'm not talking about fixture schedules and such."

He added: "It is just a big test, as it is for all my players. We face 11 games and we've got to win them.

"Looking just at the short term, we've got these two games against Fiorentina, plus the Celtic game at the weekend, and they are huge, huge games for us.

"On a personal basis - I make no bones about it - I never thought we would get to the situation we are now in.

"I wanted to qualify for the Champions League because it brings in a level of finance that is necessary for the club, but I had no great illusions about doing a great deal this season.

"I'd just hoped that, if we stabilised, we'd pose a greater challenge to Celtic and do something in the domestic cups.

"So to still be fighting on all fronts, as we are at the moment, has surprised and delighted me.

"Obviously, when you make a decision to come back to a club, you hope there will be an uplift in terms of results."