We´re peaking just in time for Celtic says Rangers boss Smith

Rangers manager Walter Smith believes his side have found their best form of the season ahead of Sunday’s crucial Old Firm showdown with Celtic.

The Ibrox club make the short journey across Glasgow to visit their nearest and bitterest rivals with much more than local pride at stake.

Just two points separate the two clubs at the top of the Scottish Premier League and Smith is relishing the opportunity of leading his men to the summit of the table after a recovery in recent weeks.

Things looked bleak for Rangers when Australia striker Scott McDonald’s solitary strike earned Celtic a 1-0 win at Ibrox six weeks ago, to stretch the Parkhead club’s lead at the top to seven points.

But Smith’s men are unbeaten in six games since then and he feels his team are now starting to sparkle at the business end of the season.

“We had a poor start to the season, right from the first game,” Smith said. “We managed to win a few games in the league without reaching any level of form. There has been times when we have given up easy goals, the goal against Celtic at Ibrox was an instance of that.

“But we have settled down and have been steadier in this five or six-week spell spell, much more so than in any other period of this season. But we will get our biggest test of the season on Sunday.

“I think it will be a huge result if we can manage to get the win.

“It doesn?t surprise me that both games have been won by the away side. Our victory at Parkhead was tighter than the 4-2 scoreline suggests. And at Ibrox we played as well as we have in previous Old Firm games but lost. Nothing can surprise you about the Old Firm games.

“There is an always an edge in these games. But they get more important as the season progresses, so this is an important game for both teams.”

With another Old Firm clash to come at Ibrox, Smith knows a even draw on Saturday would keep Rangers firmly in the title race.

“A draw wouldn’t be a bad result for either team,” Smith added. “We have had one win each this season and the points that have separated us have been lost to other teams. So that is something that we have to overcome as well.”

Smith will be without the injured Nacho Novo and but his biggest dilemma seems to be whether to hand teenage striker John Fleck his first start in an Old Firm clash.

The 17-year-old-nephew of former Scotland and Rangers striker Robert Fleck has been outstanding since breaking into the side at the turn of the year and he is already being touted for a full Scottish cap.

But Smith played down the hype surrounding the teenager, who can play in attack or midfield, and added: “I think in Scotland you have to handle the pressure. When young players come in, the spotlight falls upon them. So far everybody and their grandmother has commented on him.

“He is a young player trying to find his way, he has started well and we hope that continues. But the spotlight will fade away eventually.

“He has an all-round ability, good vision and strength and can take a goal but he?s just starting out. He has a lot to learn. But if he is selected, he won?t be phased by the occasion.”