Smith boasts victories from both meetings in the latter half of last season after he embarked on a second spell at the helm in January.

However, Celtic all but had the SPL title in the bag by then and the Rangers boss believes the inaugural derby match of the this campaign will be his biggest test so far.

"When you win an Old Firm game, you always enjoy it," he said.

"But Celtic were so far ahead last season that the motivation levels were maybe difficult to achieve when you know you are going to win a championship. I've experienced that in my own career.

"This is a new season and this is one where everyone will be totally focused on trying to get a win and trying to establish how they are going to do for the season.

"It is slightly different from the previous two matches so we have to show that we're ready for it."

Despite Rangers occupying top spot in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League in spells this term, Smith insists current league leaders Celtic remain the standard-setters in Scottish football and challenged his own players to bridge the gap this season.

"Their consistency over the last few seasons has been terrific," he said.

"They have been the team that everyone has to go after and try to beat. Rangers haven't had the required challenge over the last few years and we need to try to make sure that's there this season.

"Celtic are setting the standard, of course they are. They are top of the league and we have to chase them. If we try to hide away from that, we won't achieve anything."

Smith agreed with opposite number Gordon Strachan that tomorrow's 12.30pm kick-off, so soon after several players' gruelling trip to Georgia with Scotland, meant there is little chance of this particular Old Firm derby being a classic.

But he also warned he would be unwilling to accept exertions with the international team as an excuse for any players failing to deliver.

"It's obviously not ideal that we are playing the game early on the Saturday so soon after the boys getting back," said Smith.

"That's apparent to everyone and I agree with Gordon. It's a big ask for a lot of the boys to recover.

"It's not ideal but there is nothing we can do about it, we just need to get on with it.

"It's no excuse for us, all the boys from both teams will just have to go out and try to perform. We've got no other option.

"It's been a really busy spell for them. But the importance of an Old Firm game, I'm sure, will cover any tiredness or fatigue that they feel.

"While you are always a little bit concerned about two games and the travelling which has been involved over the last few days and the early kick-off, I'm sure once they start to focus fully on the game, that will disappear."

Rangers have already suffered defeat at the hands of both Hearts and Hibernian and another reverse, against their main rivals, could ruin their hopes of wresting the title from Celtic's grasp.

Smith said: "After losing two games in the league, it doesn't matter to us whether it's an Old Firm game or otherwise, we can't afford to lose many more.

"We have put ourselves under a bit of pressure in that respect. Whether it's Celtic or any club, we've got to go out and start to show a consistency in the league that will enable us to make a better challenge."