Walter Smith happy with Rangers' workout in Australia

Smith has been pleased with Rangers' preparations in Australia

Manager Walter Smith believes Rangers are in good shape for their forthcoming Champions League campaign after a heartening display against AEK Athens.

The Greeks won 1-0 in Sydney but Smith was pleased by his side's display.

"I think this match can serve as a dress rehearsal for what we will face in the Champions League," said Smith.

"I thought we played very well after a slow start. The fact that we countered them so well and played to our strengths was encouraging."

Rangers opened the tournament with a win over Blackburn and drew with the Australian host club during the week.

"Overall it was a good workout for us," Smith added on the Rangers website.

"Obviously there are clubs who are a level above ourselves and AEK, like Real Madrid and Manchester United, but I think playing Athens has given us a good indication of what we will face.

"Overall I was very pleased with the way we played. And that goes for the whole tournament.

"We did well in the Blackburn game - especially the first half - we played well for over an hour in this game and it was the conditions that affected us - and Sydney - in our game on Wednesday.

"So overall it was a good work out for us and the only disappointment is that we didn't win the game."

Kyle Lafferty limped out of Saturday's action midway through the first half but Smith said the forward's groin injury was not serious.

Andy Webster missed the game due to a similar complaint and both men are expected to be fully recovered in a matter of days.