BlueMeanie
Well-Known Member
WALTER SMITH relied on Richard Gough and Davie Weir as defensive titans during his trophy-laden eras at Rangers.
His team were often accused of playing “anti-football” and it’s fair to say he is fond of a miserly defence.
So the ex-Scotland boss is appreciative of the Rangers rearguard this season.
Steven Gerrard’s defence have conceded only three times in 15 Premiership games — twice to Hibs and once in a Fir Park thrashing of Motherwell.
Only Benfica and Galatasaray have breached Rangers in their Europa League ties since August.
Connor Goldson is the ever-present at the heart of it all and Smith likes what he sees in the 27-year-old.
He said: “Connor’s done well since coming to Ibrox and I don’t think you can say this is just something that’s happened this season.
“Like every other player it takes a wee bit of time to settle in. And sometimes when you’re a defender it’s a wee bit harder than other areas of the pitch.
“But Connor has been terrific and it’s demonstrated by the fact Steven doesn’t leave him out of the team at all.
“That’s how well thought of he is by everybody and I’d struggle to argue with that.”
The legendary Ibrox boss has watched early-season promise wilt in the last two league campaigns.
But with Gers 11 points clear of title rivals Celtic, Smith said: “Results are good and everything is going well.
“If you look at them just now, there’s a more confident air to the team. But the biggest challenge in football is to keep that going all the way.
“That challenge still faces Rangers, especially going up against a club as successful as Celtic have been in recent years.“Steven Gerrard has experienced that at a high level as a player, so he knows better than anyone.
“But the Rangers players look as if they are ready for the challenge this season — and that’s the main thing.
“One of the things they have to face up to is what happened to them before.
"If they do that and come out the other side, they’ve got a chance of winning.”