Walter Smith keen to avoid 'backlog of fixtures'

• Smith oversaw his Rangers side for the last time in the Champions' League last night

Rangers claimed a 1-1 Champions League draw with Bursaspor in Turkey last night in their first match since November 24 following the postponements of Clydesdale Bank Premier League games with Dundee United and Hearts.

With the SPL leaders now entering the Europa League and in action in both domestic cup competitions, Smith is worried about the hectic schedule which awaits as a result of the rearranged games.

"We're in a situation where we want to be getting games under our belts and we want to be playing again," he said on the club's website.

"Our game with Bursaspor was our first in nearly two weeks and while not having matches has given us an opportunity to freshen up, we want to get back to action now.

"The break has allowed for some players who weren't fit before to get closer to a return and that has obviously been good.

"But I would still rather we were playing than missing out because the last thing we want or need is a backlog of fixtures.

"That's what we are in danger of ending up with at the present moment so hopefully Saturday's match will go ahead as scheduled.

"We've got a busy enough period approaching without having it being made busier because we have more matches to rearrange.

"Our European commitments are such that we know they will impact on the domestic situation, especially this season."