The circumstances perhaps help create the illusion that Rangers are involved in Europe again less than a week after Thursday's defeat of Sporting Lisbon at the last-eight stage of the Uefa Cup. For a start, tonight's rearranged league clash with Celtic has been scheduled for midweek. It would also not cause manager Walter Smith a great amount of distress should Rangers only take a draw from tonight's clash, even if it brings to an end a run of four consecutive Old Firm victories since Smith returned to Ibrox last year.

But perhaps the most obvious reason for Rangers to adopt their European setting is the intensity of performance they can expect from a Celtic side that have been backed into a corner. Smith is prepared for a challenge that is every bit as extreme as those faced during Rangers' adventures in Europe this season, and which includes matches against the likes of Lyon, Stuttgart and Sporting Lisbon. It is worth noting that the first two sides named are the champions of France and Germany respectively.

Although he elevated Barcelona and Werder Bremen to another level, the manager believes there is little in terms of quality between Celtic and any other team tackled by Rangers during a 16-game European campaign. Panathinaikos were another team forecast to end the Ibrox side's European ambitions this season. Although they provided stiff opposition, Rangers emerged triumphant after a hard-fought draw on a wild night in Athens. Tonight's task will be every bit as difficult in a stadium likely to be just as partisan in favour of Celtic.

"Celtic, in my mind, are equal to the majority of teams we have played in European competition this year," commented Smith. "Maybe not Barcelona and I thought Werder Bremen were also excellent, but, after that, I think Celtic are the equal of anyone we have played, so therefore we have to turn in a performance that is equal, if not better, to anything we have done in Europe if we hope to achieve something tomorrow night."

It seems inevitable that Smith will bring another element of Europe to tonight's proceedings, and set his side out in the 5-4-1 formation that has been so effective in Europe. But he won't sacrifice enterprise, and can reflect on a disciplined performance against Sporting Lisbon last week where his side, as well as being alert to the need to defend, also broke forward to good effect. Jean-Claude Darcheville is likely to start up front, with Smith yesterday noting that the Frenchman is the best attacker at the club when it comes to linking with the midfield.

"In an Old Firm game how do you go about that?" Smith responded, in answer to a question about playing for a draw. "We've said all along that we will go out and try and win the game. That's what we have to do first and foremost. But if we avoid defeat that's also an advantage to us in the position we are in. There is a lot of football to go after game tomorrow night."

Indeed, Smith again empathised with Gordon Strachan when the subject turned to the recent troubles of his opposite number. He pointed out that while Rangers have won both Old Firm games so far this season, the fixture complications caused by postponements have resulted in the unusual situation where successive games have been at Ibrox.

Smith stressed that it wasn't sympathy he was offering Strachan – "I don't think he needs my sympathy, I really don't," he said – but he advised observers to treat the current league standings with some degree of caution. Indeed, a win for Celtic tonight and another three points against Aberdeen on Saturday would see the Parkhead side sit two points clear at the top, albeit having played three more matches.

"I think we have to take into consideration that everything in Scotland gets blown out of proportion," said Smith. "We've won the first couple of games, which were on our ground, and the whole thing gets exaggerated. Before anyone says I am trying to use psychology, I am not. It's just my belief. I think they are as good as any team we have played outwith the couple of European sides I have mentioned. That is where they stand in my thoughts. The achievement of reaching the last 16 of the Champions League is terrific for a Scottish club. That's a measure of Celtic as a team."

Smith even rounded on one of Rangers' own sons, with former defender Arthur Numan having this week suggested that the Ibrox side could afford to lose tonight. "If he wants to stand on the terracing and say that, then fine," said Smith, witheringly. "But it's not right."

The manager clearly wants no weakening of resolve to infect his side. References to the business end of a season is common-place at this time of year, but for Smith and his team tonight is certainly the start of a period where a last, intense burst of productivity is required. As Tony Blair, the former Prime Minister, once said, Rangers feel the hand of history on their shoulder.

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