Weary Walter Smith refusing to dwell on takeover talk

Giving his reaction to the news that multi-millionaire venture capitalist Craig Whyte is considering making an offer for Sir David Murray's controlling interest in Rangers, there was more than a hint of wearied scepticism in Smith's voice yesterday.

His attitude may well be influenced by the involvement in Whyte's potential bid of Andrew Ellis, the property developer whose own attempt to buy the Scottish champions came to nothing earlier this year. Smith was consistently dismissive of the saga which developed around former Northampton Town owner Ellis' failed bid.

While he remains keen for a long-term solution to Rangers' ongoing financial difficulties to be found, Smith is wary of the possibly negative impact of further takeover talk which does not come to fruition.

"We've had this two or three times now," observed Smith. "If it happens too often, it becomes an awkward circumstance. We'll just have to wait and see what the outcome of this one is, but I'm not aware of anything other than what has appeared in the media so far.

"I don't know much about this proposed bid at all. If there is going to be a takeover, then everyone at the club would want it to happen as quickly as possible. If someone comes along and takes over, that's fine as long as they have got Rangers' interests at heart.

"But you don't want your club having continuing speculation surrounding it. We have a hard week of football coming up and what is happening off the park won't help us one way or the other. Everyone here is trying to focus on the football."

Smith certainly has plenty to occupy his thoughts ahead of today's lunchtime SPL assignment against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park and next Wednesday's pivotal Champions League showdown with Manchester United at Ibrox.

Defender Madjid Bougherra and midfielder Maurice Edu have been ruled out of Smith's plans for both games as a result of respective hamstring and knee injuries. Full-back Sasa Papac will also be absent from today's game because of the head injury he sustained in the 3-0 defeat against Hibs ten days ago. The Bosnian is still suffering from mild concussion and will be assessed again ahead of Wednesday night.

Kirk Broadfoot, despite continuing to suffer problems as a result of right ankle bruising, has been passed fit to face Kilmarnock, where he is likely to be deployed in central defence alongside David Weir. It is a position the former St Mirren player ultimately wants on a longer-term basis.

"I don't mind where I play," said Broadfoot, "but I think I will move into central defence when I've got more experience and am more clever in the head football wise. It's a position where your levels of concentration have to be greater than at full-back.''

Richard Foster is likely to be drafted in at full-back today for only his second starting appearance since joining on loan from Aberdeen as the SPL title holders face what Smith anticipates will be a stern examination.

"Mixu Paatelainen is doing a really good job with Kilmarnock," observed Smith. "You are looking at one of the clubs most affected by the financial downturn and while the start of the season was a bit awkward for him, I think they have been terrific under Mixu so far. They have been playing some excellent football and his enthusiasm has clearly rubbed off on the players.

"The injury problems we have got at the moment leave us in a situation we were always likely to have to face at some stage of the season. There is no use moaning about it, we just have to get on with it.''