Walter wary ahead of Old Firm clash

RANGERS manager Walter Smith has played down his side’s blistering form ahead of tomorrow’s Old Firm derby, insisting the three points are far from guaranteed.

The Scottish champions make the short trip to the east end of Glasgow bursting with confidence after coming through December with a 100% record and netting an incredible 26 goals along the way.

A midweek 7-1 thrashing of Dundee United, with Kris Boyd netting five times, set Rangers up perfectly for the meeting with their bitter rivals.

Celtic’s own form has been somewhat more erratic but Smith is taking nothing for granted against Tony Mowbray’s men.

He said: “The one thing that is always said about the Old Firm games is that they are a bit unpredictable, regardless of what aspects of your team are doing well.

“The Old Firm games seem to turn all that on its head. We have been scoring regularly in recent weeks, but that will be given its full test against Celtic.

“I don’t think there could be a tougher place for us to go to try to get a win than Celtic Park.

“Form books and all the other aspects go out the window in Old Firm games.

“I don’t think you can look at one aspect of your game and be that confident that, when you’re going into an Old Firm match, that that’s the way it will pan out.

“It doesn’t normally happen like that. Strange things occur in these games and there is a lot of tension involved and a lot of nerves that players have to overcome in these matches.”