Smith has challenged his players to repay his trust in them by taking Rangers back to the promised land of Europe's most prestigious and lucrative club competition.

And he is confident they will come up with the performance tomorrow night to earn Rangers their place among the European elite.

Red Star Belgrade trail Rangers 1-0 from the first leg at Ibrox, and tomorrow's return match in Serbia promises to be a fiery affair.

Smith was asked whether he would let Red Star go through if it meant Rangers going all the way in the UEFA Cup, but he insisted all the focus was on the task in hand.

"That's a nice question, a bit of a funny one, but our goal is not funny at all," said the Rangers manager.

"No, at this moment I'm not interested in the UEFA Cup, and I think that Red Star think in the same way.

"The importance of playing in the Champions League, the financial injection, the experience ... that's something that can't be traded."

He explained: "Everybody who is involved in the football side of the club wants to play in the Champions League, the supporters, the chairman - everyone.

"It's not all about the money. That's a huge factor but we want to be involved in the Champions League.

"We know we face a very difficult game if we are to get there but it's a big game for every club that's involved in this round."

Nacho Novo's late goal at Ibrox gave Rangers their slender advantage to take to Belgrade.

Smith said: "Of course it will be a tough game, but all teams that play in the third round of qualifying for the Champions League face tough challenges.

"There are no weak opponents at this level, and there's high stakes for all.

"But, as far as we are concerned, Rangers will enter this last match with self-confidence, not just because of the result from the first leg."

That belief does not mean Rangers have taken their eyes off tomorrow's opponents.

"Red Star have already shown quality," said Smith.

"They've played well at our ground, and there's no doubt they will play well in front of their own fans.

"But I believe in my team. We must show that we are capable of qualifying for the Champions League.

"Red Star, meanwhile, can count not just on their supporters, but on some players that were injured [for the first leg]. It will be a tough game, no doubt."

The Marakana stadium is renowned as one of Europe's most intimidating grounds, but Smith insists Rangers will not cower in the face of hostility.

"We are used to playing in front of noisy crowds. We face Celtic in a similar atmosphere," he said.

When Rangers arrive back from Serbia, in the early hours of Wednesday, there will be either despair or euphoria surrounding the club.

There could be more new faces arriving at Ibrox before the transfer window closes on Friday, but Smith will hold off looking to execute his moves until he knows his team's European fate.

"It's hard to speak about our next moves until we see what happens [in the Champions League]," he said.

"Of course, when you have such a big financial bonus as the Champions League can give you if you qualify, it's normal to think about your next moves.

"But at this moment, our one and only goal is to achieve a positive result in Belgrade. After that, we'll see what will happen."

Rangers will wait until tomorrow before deciding whether Daniel Cousin can play any part against Red Star.

The former Lens striker is carrying a calf injury, which forced him to be replaced midway through the 2-1 victory at Kilmarnock on Saturday.

"We thought his condition was worse, but fortunately there is a chance for him to play," said Smith.

"We'll have to wait and see, first at our last training session, and then on matchday, when we'll do medical tests to see if he is available."