Rangers take on their nearest challengers for a second-place finish, which provides a gateway into the Champions League, when they take on the Dons at Ibrox tomorrow.

Smith insists the match is just as important as last weekend's Old Firm clash, knowing Aberdeen can close the gap to just one point if they win at Ibrox for the first time in 16 years.

And with Rangers seeing their last chance of silverware evaporating in Pamplona in midweek, Smith knows it is imperative they clinch second spot to have a chance of playing in Europe's premier tournament next season.

Rangers salvaged some pride from their dismal season with a win over Celtic at Parkhead last Sunday, but defeat to Osasuna in the UEFA Cup on Wednesday was a huge disappointment.

Smith said: "We had five games in a 13-day spell that were all going to be very difficult and that's how it turned out in Spain.

"We have to get on with it, we can't allow ourselves to have any hangover from the game against Osasuna.

"Everyone said last week's Old Firm game was big but the game against Aberdeen is equal to that in terms of importance as far as the league is concerned.

"We have to pick up after Europe and make sure we are not affected.

"We have to be ready for the game on Saturday as Aberdeen are doing exceptionally well at this moment.

"But we have to make sure our European performances don't affect our domestic performances which have been good up until now."

Smith does not believe Rangers will be able to relax even if they open up a seven-point lead over Aberdeen.

He said: "We want to keep a gap between ourselves and the team below us so it's important we win this game, but when it comes to the split it means we play the top clubs, so there will be points dropped there by all clubs.

"So I don't think you can say that a win tomorrow will create a gap that will be sufficient to say we'll finish second.

"We'll need to show continuous form until the end of the season to do that."

Boyd has started on the bench for Rangers last two games, with Filip Sebo given the nod, but Smith admitted his leading goalscorer is set for a recall.

He said: "There has been a lot said about Kris but he played the first two games in this five-game spell and played well in both of them. It was going to be impossible for any single striker to play the matches.

"So he will come back into the team tomorrow."

Aberdeen have not won at Ibrox since 1991 and Smith hope to keep that run going.

He said: "Aberdeen have had their best spell for a few years, they've been consistent in terms of team selection and formation and that's been shown in their results.

"They are vying for just not for a European place but also a Champions League place.

"I hope [their run at Ibrox goes on] a bit longer, at least one game longer anyway. These things happen and sometimes clubs go through long spells without winning at a specific ground and I hope that continues."