RANGERS manager Walter Smith insists Kenny Miller should not be vilified simply because he played for Celtic.

Miller crossed the Old Firm divide for a second time when he signed for Rangers this summer having had spells with both Glasgow clubs.

The reception he has received so far has been hostile, with some sections of the support voicing their opposition to the signing.

But Smith is convinced the player, who is likely to start tonight’s Champions League second round qualifier with FBK Kaunas at Ibrox, still has plenty to offer.

He said: “If the player has been here before and people’s reasons for not liking him are because they think he’s not good enough, then that’s fine.

“Then again, my opinion matters. He’ll be good for this team. That’s how I look at it.

“Everyone is entitled to their opinion. But if their reasons for not liking him are because he played for Celtic then... I thought all those things were in the past.

“They are for me – but if that’s not acceptable then there’s not a great deal I can do about it except do what we’re paid to do, and that’s win football matches.”

The last player to cause such controversy by playing for both sides of the Old Firm was Mo Johnston when he signed for Rangers in 1989, but Smith says the similarities between both players are limited.

He added: “I don’t think there’s a comparison between the two things.

“In my mind the reaction was exaggerated. I signed Kenny Miller because, where the team are at the moment, he’ll do well for us.

“That’s the only thing that matters for me.

“Supporters can make their judgements – as they do with every other player.

“If they don’t like him then that’s their opinion.”