Out To Impress

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By Andrew Dickson

 

IF there's one man determined to shine in tomorrow's Scottish Cup semi-final with St Mirren, it is Rangers defender Stevie Smith.

 

Brought in from the cold two weeks ago against Motherwell, the 23-year-old has made the most of his unexpected chance in the side with two good performances.

 

Steven Smith trains with Steven Davis and Steven WhittakerSmith has endured a torrid time, spending the best part of two years on the sidelines with pelvic problems then finding himself well out of the first-team picture at Ibrox.

 

But now that he's back in contention again, he doesn't plan to hold back and is eager to claim a long-term place in the side.

 

Although he's a natural full-back, Smith has featured on the left side of midfield and is likely to be deployed there once more against the Buddies at Hampden.

 

He said: "I'm really looking forward to this match. It's a cup semi-final and it's always a massive challenge to get to a final.

 

"From a personal point of view, I never thought I would get a chance to play for Rangers again but I have and I'm thankful for that.

 

"I'm enjoying being back in the team again and if I want to stay here, I have to look upon each chance to play as an opportunity to stake my claim for a long-term place.

 

"I need to play out of my skin, try to stay involved as much as possible and use the situation as it stands to my advantage."

 

Stevie SmithSmith knows St Mirren will be difficult opponents, especially after they beat Celtic 1-0 at Greenhill Road in the last round of the competition.

 

Rangers will go into the game without several players, including Kyle Lafferty, Kirk Broadfoot, Lee McCulloch, Barry Ferguson, Kevin Thomson and DaMarcus Beasley.

 

Those six are all injured while Sasa Papac is suspended and Smith appreciates Saints will be keen to exploit the men from Govan.

 

He added: "I was at our game with them a few weeks ago and while we did well in the first half, they showed a lot of determination in the second.

 

"They came back into the game and impressed me. I saw some of their game last week against Motherwell too and they'll be confident.

 

"Playing at Hampden might be a new thing to their players but that might give them a boost at the same time."