Gers boss: Critics don't worry team

The Scottish giants face Russian side Zenit St Petersburg at the City of Manchester Stadium on Wednesday.

"So far, we've had a lot of negative comments about us," said Smith. "Hopefully, that will continue through to Thursday or Friday.

"We've had a lot of situations where people say that Rangers play anti-football, rubbish football or whatever.

"But, for a first-year team, we've settled in well and, for those teams that have lost to us, if they are that good, why have they not beaten us?"

The Gers have beaten Panathinaikos, Werder Bremen and Fiorentina, along with Sporting Lisbon, since Rangers qualified via their position in the Champions League group stage.

The Glasgow club have also already won the League Cup, they face Queen of the South in the Scottish Cup final and they are favourites to beat holders Celtic to this season's Scottish Premier League title.

"I honestly could not imagine that we could reach a European final so quickly," said Smith.

"I felt that, this year, if we could sustain a challenge, we could stabilise and put in a decent challenge on the domestic front, that would be a step forward for us.

"I was concerned that the European aspect came a bit early.

"That's 18 games we have played in Europe this season, 19 if you include the final.

"For ourselves, it is like another half-season in the league.

"It's been fantastic, though. It has been a great test for everyone.

"We've carried a little bit of luck on the way, but we have put a lot into the games.

"We've found ourselves a bit ahead of schedule, but there are no complaints there."

Smith's biggest concern going into Wednesday's game is the fitness of midfielder Kevin Thomson, who is highly doubtful after he limped out of Saturday's win over Dundee United with a foot injury.

Steven Naismith (knee) and Allan McGregor (ankle) remain on the sidelines, while Daniel Cousin is suspended following his red card in the semi-final against Fiorentina.

Indeed, injuries have inevitably taken their toll on Rangers after such a hectic schedule this campaign, but one of Rangers' stars of the season, centre-back Carlos Cuellar, said on Tuesday that the fixture list has brought out the best in his side.

"It's a question of looking after yourself well," said the former Osasuna man.

"You don't have a minute to rest. I think that, in eight months, I've played close to 70 games. In Spain, you normally play 38 or 40 games at most.

"It's tough physically and mentally, but it's what we want as players, to be playing in big games and have that pressure on us.

"I came here because I knew it was a big club, with the chance of winning titles, of playing in the Champions League, always being in Europe, which is what I've always wanted. So, I made the best decision."