Novo not to blame for UEFA Cup stalemate, says Smith

0 Comments | AFP, February, 2008

GLASGOW (AFP) — Rangers manager Walter Smith refused to blame Nacho Novo for his side's failure to score against Panathinaikos in the UEFA Cup last 32 first leg clash here on Wednesday.

The Spanish forward missed a hatful of chances as the Ibrox club failed to make home advantage count ahead of the second leg in Athens next Thursday.

However, Smith - who left leading scorer Kris Boyd on the bench - was not about to lay the blame at Novo's feet and believes Rangers can still make the last 16 of the competition.

"Like all forwards you sometimes go through situations where the goals go in and sometimes they don't," said Smith.

"Against Panathinaikos Nacho wasn't able to score but he's scored a number of vital goals for us this season.

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