Smith: Gers must focus on Hamilton showdown

The Champions League campaign kicks off on Tuesday with the most difficult of all the match days, as the Scottish champions prepare to travel to Old Trafford to face overwhelming group favourites Manchester United.

Smith is well aware that such an encounter is one every single player in his dressing room will relish as they prepare to pit their wits against some of the best players in the world, but he was also keen to provide a timely reminder of the importance of the domestic campaign.

The Scottish champions may boast a 100 per cent record so far but, as far as the manager is concerned, they have yet to hit top form and, for that reason, Smith insists none of his players will have one eye on Europe ahead of the lunchtime kick-off at New Douglas Park.

"I don't think so because I don't feel as though we have the proper focus in terms of our domestic games," he said.

"That's something we have to adjust to first and foremost. I'll probably speak to Sir Alex (Ferguson), but we've both got tough away games this weekend so we'll let those games be over before we start to think about the Champions League."

Smith says that the international break of last week is likely to have more of an impact on the side he selects for the clash with Accies, rather than their glamour tie next week.

"What will affect the team selection more is the boys who have been away playing in the two international games more than anything else," he said.

"Those who are available for us all trained this morning and they are looking all right.

"It's the early part of the season so it may be that we won't make too many changes to the team from the previous outing."