Gers not blaming fatigue for loss

Smith says the Barcelona game did not affect the players at Tannadice

Manager Walter Smith refused to use Rangers' European exertions as a reason for the 2-1 SPL defeat to Dundee United at Tannadice.

The loss came five days after Rangers held Barcelona to a goalless draw in the Champions League at Ibrox.

"The European game had nothing to do with it," said Smith.

"The players had plenty of time to recover from the game on Tuesday night - it certainly wasn't tiredness and we saw that in the second half."

Interview: Rangers manager Walter Smith

Smith felt the performance of his players, in the second half in particular, merited something from the game.

He added: "In the first half it was a quiet start from both sides and it was disappointing to lose the goal we lost in terms of defending at a set-play.

"In the second half we stepped up, applied some pressure and got back on level terms. Then we shot ourselves in the foot by giving away a penalty.

"It was disappointing to lose a game that we put a lot into."

Rangers have now taken just one point from nine in their last three games and just seven from a possible 15 on the road this term, allowing Celtic breathing space at the top of the SPL table.

"It was a good game to watch but disappointing from our own point of view," conceded Smith.

Lee Wilkie opened the scoring for United in the first half, before Daniel Cousin restored parity from the penalty spot shortly after the break.

But Rangers' joy lasted just two minutes before the hosts reclaimed their lead also through a penalty from Barry Robson.