Smith refutes Strachan's 'favourites' claims
Saturday, 29 December 2007 11:23Walter Smith has refuted Gordon Strachan's claims that Rangers are now favourites to win the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.
There may still be several days to go before the sides clash in the new year Old Firm derby but it would appear the mind games are in full swing already.
Celtic boss Strachan made use of his pre-match press conference ahead of their match against Gretna to talk up Rangers' chances of wresting the title away from his players.
But Smith quickly retaliated by claiming the Scottish champions remain on course for three in a row.
'If Gordon says that, I'm sure he means it,' said the Rangers manager.
'For us, the fact that we're not 16 points behind as we were last season is a big enough thing for us at the present moment. No one can deny that we're challengers. They are the champions and we are the challengers and we've got to show we can handle it.'
