Smith in 'show us your medals' jibe at Celtic

Rangers manager Walter Smith has labelled Celtic's current squad a "poor set of professionals," following the last Old Firm derby of the season.

Celtic's 2-1 defeat of Rangers at Parkhead on Tuesday night made no difference to a title race that Smith's squad wrapped up last month.

Smith had been infuriated by Celtic defender Andreas Hinkel's pre-match claim that the Hoops had been the better team this season and his response represented a departure from the usual protocol that Old Firm managers avoid inflaming the bitter rivalry between the two clubs.

"If he (Hinkel) sits down and analyses what he said then you have got to say why does he think they are a better team than Rangers when we have won six trophies over a three-year period, reached a European final and Celtic have won two trophies?" Smith asked.

"He must feel then, if they are the better team, that something is wrong."

Clearly disgruntled, Smith went on: "I can't understand why any professional doesn't take a good look at himself first before saying 'we are a better team than Rangers' because it is patently obvious they're not and haven't been."

Smith acknowledged that Celtic's form has improved since Tony Mowbray was sacked as the team's manager in March with his interim successor, Neil Lennon.

But he added: "If it takes a manager to bring it out in you then you are looking at a poor set of professionals."