Smith makes Miller plea

Rangers chief asks for supporter tolerance

Last updated: 29th June 2008

Kenny Miller scores

Miller: Controversial signing

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Rangers boss Walter Smith has urged the Ibrox faithful to get behind new signing Kenny Miller despite his previous ties to Glasgow rivals Celtic.

Miller returns for a second stint at Rangers after rejoining the club from Derby for a fee in the region of £1.9million, having also sandwiched in spells at Wolves and Celtic since first leaving the Gers in 2001.

The Scotland international becomes only the second player in history to cross the Old Firm divide twice; a situation that forced a representative of the Rangers Supporters' Trust to claim that the striker would be a 'deeply unpopular' signing.

However, Smith is hoping the Light Blues fans reserve judgement on Miller.

"In terms of the reaction generated by Kenny's arrival, I would ask everybody not to make judgements on previous situations and his previous time at Rangers," he said.

"He is a far more experienced player now, and at the stage in his career where he will be able to use the experience he has.

"If he does that, I am sure he will be a big benefit to us, and if the supporters see that is the case, I am sure they will get over their misgivings.

"I hope that is the case anyway."

No issue

Smith insists he never harboured any reservations about whether Miller's time at Celtic Park would hinder his chances of being a success on his return to Ibrox.

"From my point of view that aspect doesn't come in to it," he concluded. "I would hope those days are over now.

"What was important to me was that Kenny was a terrific team player, who could help us improve.

"We needed a bit better movement from the front players and he can supply that because he is a very willing runner."