Smith Content With Second Half Improvement

Walter Smith admitted that Rangers will struggle to take the SPL title ahead of Celtic with form like they showed in the first half of the visit to Inverness.

Jean-Claude Darcheville won the match for the Gers on 89-minutes as they ground out a crucial win to go four points clear of Celtic.

“First half, certainly not,” Smith told Setanta after the game.

“But in the second-half, I felt we picked up a little bit, we looked a little bit more aware of the situation we were in and looked as if we wanted to get in there and get a goal.

“So, that was better from us, but as I say, first half we won’t get any where if we play the way we played then.”

Charlie Adam had a goal ruled offside before Rangers did eventually score, which Smith believes should have stood. The visitors were made to work hard by a stuffy Caley Thistle side and Smith was of the opinion that it took Rangers time to get going.

“It was a hard fought one I must say,” Smith admitted.

“First half of the game I thought we didn’t start well. In fact, neither side I think in the first-half would be happy with their performance. We picked up a little bit maybe after about ten or fifteen minutes of the second-half.

“After that I felt we put more pressure on Caley and we created one or two opportunities, scored what I thought was a good goal and to have it chopped off but managed to get the winner through Jean-Claude, so delighted to win as not many teams have won here this season. So we’re pleased with that.”