The 2-1 victory over St Mirren at Ibrox allowed the Scottish champions to move one point ahead at the summit, with Celtic on Scottish Cup duty this weekend.

Rangers now prepare to travel to Dundee United on Tuesday knowing a win would mean heading into next weekend's crucial final Old Firm derby of the season ahead of their bitter rivals in the SPL.

But Smith refused to read too much into any points advantage his team may have when Celtic come calling at Ibrox.

He said: "Everybody keeps saying that but I don't think that's the case. It's fairly simple - if you are in our position you need to keep winning.

"That's what we have to try to do but we are used to it because it's a pressure the Old Firm have to handle all the time - not just at this stage of the season but all through the season.

"I don't go for all that psychological stuff. Once the games pan out we will see who is in pole position. For me, it's always fairly simple - just win."

Rangers were again made to work for their victory when Steven Whittaker claimed the winner from the penalty spot after Sasa Papac's opener was cancelled out by Darren McGregor.

Smith said: "St Mirren are a very awkward team to overcome and they showed that last week at Celtic Park and again today. I felt they played very well.

"We are a little frustrated that we lost another goal at home after having three games away from home without losing a goal. But we are just delighted to win the game at this stage of the season.

"All that matters is to keep winning and hopefully we can do that. We face a few hard games over the next week or so and they will be difficult ones for us."

Madjid Bougherra was an unused substitute today after recovering from a hamstring injury that has sidelined him for several weeks and is expected to be back in action at Tannadice midweek.

Smith said: "He will be able to start on Tuesday. We put him on the bench and we could have used him but I thought it was better to give him another day or two and we managed to see the game out without him having to go on the pitch. But he will be available for us on Tuesday."

St Mirren manager Danny Lennon had nothing but praise for his players despite returning to Paisley empty-handed.

He said: "I'm very pleased with the brand of football we tried to play and I'm proud of the players but frustrated with the result.

"It's a very difficult place to come to and get a positive result but what we did have was a positive and brave display."

When asked about the penalty decision, the Buddies boss added: "I didn't see the penalty myself, to be honest. The public will see the highlights and make up their own minds."