Smith admits January war-chest is unlikely

Walter Smith has admitted that he’s unlikely to be able to make any signings in January.

A week after news of another Rangers takeover hit the news stands with promises of transfer war-chests the Ibrox boss was more realistic after last night’s Champions League ko from Manchester United.

Smith was unable to find seven players to sit on the bench and doesn’t anticipate any changes when the transfer window opens in January.

“We were embarrassed by the lack of numbers and only had six on the bench,” he admitted.

“We only had teenagers and James Beattie, who has had two or three days’ training, on the bench. We need a hand in January.

“If we don’t get any help in the January transfer window, we could struggle again.

“It will always be difficult to judge how well we could do because we are in a situation where both injury and suspension could affect us badly.

“Will we get help? It doesn’t look like it – but we are pleased that we have managed to achieve European football after Christmas.”

Smith’s pessimism was matched by Kenny Miller after the match.

The striker fired in another Champions League blank and has knocked back various offers to extent his contract beyond the end of this season.

He said: “At the moment we’re thin on the ground. There’s nothing we can do about it.

“Hopefully we can get a couple of new players in January.

“We put a lot into these games this year but you saw against United that we are down to the bare bones.

“Kyle Hutton has had to come in for his first European start and I thought he was superb in there with Lee McCulloch.

“James Beattie wasn’t fully fit but he was on the bench.

“Last year was a disaster so there was obviously some pride restored this time around. Last year our home performances were as poor as you’ll ever see. It was disappointing.”

Suggestions that ‘billionaire’ Craig Whyte would meet with American based Rangers chairman Al Johnston before the match to discuss a takeover bid failed to materialise.

Last night’s defeat leaves Smith with a record of 6 wins from 35 Champions League matches, one short of Gordon Strachan’s Scottish record.

Why leave all the talking to mouthpieces Clark and Dougal?

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