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WALTER SMITH insists that Rangers won�t crumble and gift Celtic nine-in-a-row glory.

 

The Ibrox boss hit out after Gers legend Richard Gough confessed to his fear that the Hoops stand on the brink of history.

 

Former Light Blues skipper Gough reckons losing the SPL crown to Celts could spark a catastrophic collapse at Ibrox.

 

But, on the eve of tomorrow�s vital Old Firm clash at Ibrox, Smith claimed Gough is WRONG.

 

He said: ââ?¬Å?I can never remember thinking winning four-in-a-row would mean going on to win nine-in-a-row.

 

ââ?¬Å?Itââ?¬â?¢s difficult enough to win one. Youââ?¬â?¢d have to win four, then win four again and then start on the ninth.

 

ââ?¬Å?It is always difficult to find that level of consistency.

 

ââ?¬Å?You donââ?¬â?¢t go from four to nine in five minutes.

 

ââ?¬Å?I donââ?¬â?¢t think anybody here ever thought of doing nine in the midst of two, three or four-in-a-row.

 

ââ?¬Å?Itââ?¬â?¢s a good theory but there is a lot of assumption in there.ââ?¬Â

 

Smith is focused on four games rather than four titles as the championship race enters the final furlong.

 

Victory would thrust Gers two points clear of the Hoops but even if that happens, Smith reckons the tussle will go to the wire.

 

He said: ââ?¬Å?The Old Firm game tends to dominate everyoneââ?¬â?¢s thoughts, but it would show a disregard to the other teams we still have to play if we said this was a ââ?¬Ë?must winââ?¬â?¢ match.

 

ââ?¬Å?We canââ?¬â?¢t run away from the fact that itââ?¬â?¢s going to be a vitally important match for both teams in the quest to win a championship.

 

ââ?¬Å?But I donââ?¬â?¢t think we can disregard the others teams. The three remaining matches we have will be extremely tough.

 

ââ?¬Å?But, if you have thoughts of winning the championship, then youââ?¬â?¢d want to win this game.

 

ââ?¬Å?I find it difficult to separate one Old Firm game from another. You always have that bit of tension and nervousness before all the derby games.

 

ââ?¬Å?It is the same every season and the intensity increases as the season goes on.

 

ââ?¬Å?If you are asking me if this one is any more important than any other, Iââ?¬â?¢d have to say no.

 

ââ?¬Å?But it IS a vitally important game for both clubs.ââ?¬Â

 

Smith insisted he�s NOT worried by Tom Murphy�s appointment as a linesman tomorrow.

 

He clashed with Murphy after a draw at Motherwell earlier this season, but Smith said: ââ?¬Å?Yes, it is an interesting decision, but I have no problem with him officiating the game. None at all.

 

ââ?¬Å?I said what I said after the Motherwell game. He has since officiated other games for us so I donââ?¬â?¢t have any problem with him officiating this one.ââ?¬Â

 

But the Gers gaffer IS annoyed that Gers must play two games in less than 70 hours next week.

 

They face Hibs on Wednesday night and Aberdeen on Saturday lunchtime while Celts have FIVE DAYS between their games.

 

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SunSport first revealed Gers were unhappy with the timings back on April 21 and Smith confirmed: ââ?¬Å?I felt it was unfair of them to ask us to play two games within two days when it was not necessary, especially after what happened to us last season.

 

ââ?¬Å?That aspect of the split is an unfair one from our point of view and we have expressed our concern.ââ?¬Â

 

Smith threw open the gates of Murray Park to allow Gough, now 47, to train with the first-team yesterday.

 

He said: ââ?¬Å?Richard is the same as before ââ?¬â? fit but hopeless. But, seriously, he is in good nick and it was good to see him.ââ?¬Â

 

Gough was joined by another ex-Gers captain, Barry Ferguson, for a full session.

 

Fergie was returning from his calf injury but won�t be considered for the crucial lunchtime clash with SPL leaders Celts.

 

And Gers are also sweating over crocked left-back Sasa Papac as he battles knee ligament problems.

 

Smith said: ââ?¬Å?We have a doubt over Sasa for Saturday.

 

ââ?¬Å?He has strained ligaments on the outside of a knee.

 

ââ?¬Å?It is causing him a problem, especially when he turns.

 

ââ?¬Å?We are keen to have him and there is still a possibility we will have him.

 

ââ?¬Å?But if he misses Saturday, he will be fit for the next week.

 

ââ?¬Å?Barry is progressing but needs a few more daysââ?¬â?¢ training before he is up to match fitness.

 

ââ?¬Å?I would hope that would be in the next few days.

 

ââ?¬Å?Hopefully once Barry comes back that will be him fit and he would be fit for us in the remaining games of the season.ââ?¬Â

 

Meanwhile, Kirk Broadfoot hopes to find a cure for his foot problem after visiting a specialist yesterday.

 

Smith said: ââ?¬Å?Kirk is seeing a specialist in London. Heââ?¬â?¢s had a bit of trouble with his foot and hopefully he can find a solution to the problem.

 

ââ?¬Å?He is now pain-free, except when he kicks a ball, which is a problem for a footballer!ââ?¬Â

 

http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/article2417724.ece

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