Rangers 2-0 Hearts Manager Q&A

Aug 18 2008

Spl Clydesdale Bank Premier League

WALTER SMITH

Q: What was your overall assessment of the 90 minutes?

A: We started well in the first 25 minutes before losing our way just before and after half time. We squandered one or two opportunities we may have done better with but we scored two goals and overall I'm pleased with the way we played.

Q: How much of a difference did new signing Pedro Mendes make in midfield?

A: He was influential. It's an area where I felt we were short and one which we have tried to strengthen over the close season. We eventually got there and I think Pedro will be good for us. We need to have more possession of the ball and he will give us that.

Q: Is it pleasing to take six points out of six after a difficult last fortnight?

A: The last two games have been important for us after the European exit and it's pleasing to get a couple of wins. It's hard to integrate new players but I feel we are getting there.

Q: Kyle Lafferty limped off after half-time. How is his injury?

A: I don't think it is a bad one. He felt some tightness in his hamstring earlier in the game and then it seemed to go away. We are hopeful he will be OK after a few days rest.

CSABA LASZLO

Q: You had a late penalty claim turned down when the score was still 1-0. Do you think that affected the outcome?

A: I don't think it is important to talk about that. If the referee doesn't give it then I can't change it. I think it is more important to talk about the mistakes we made. We had chances after we had a player sent off and I don't think our keeper had too much to do.

Q: Saulius Mikoliunas was redcarded after receiving two bookings, one of them for diving. Will you be speaking to him about that?

A: It's dangerous if you have the same problem. If you are on a yellow card you have to be careful and you can't play too aggressively. I spoke with him and it's important for him to learn from his mistakes in the future. He needs to take responsibility.

Q: Does his reputation precede him?

A: I don't know but in the past this has definitely been a problem. However, I think he is strong enough to handle it mentally.

Q: Steve Banks didn't play. What is the situation with him?

A: We have decided that Steve will become our goalkeeping coach so that's why Jamie McDonald played.

I thought it was dangerous to play our new keeper Marian Kello at Ibrox as I don't know him. I felt Jamie did a really good job for us.

Taken from the Daily Record