Walter Smith insists Rangers are not seeking any favours from the Scottish Premier League to ease their fixture congestion between now and the end of the season.

Rangers will play their 50th game of the campaign against Hibernian on Saturday and could take part in a whopping 68 games in total if they go all the way in both the Scottish Cup and the UEFA Cup.

Such a scenario has led to suggestions that the SPL campaign be extended beyond its scheduled May 18 finish, with dates yet to be confirmed for outstanding matches against Motherwell and St Mirren.

Celtic have already voiced their opposition to a league extension and Smith insists any decision would lie completely in the hands of the SPL without any input from Rangers' end.

"It's not a case of us requesting an extension to the season," he said.

"It would be down to the league and what they do.

"But if I'm saying this is the first time I have been involved in something like this, then I'm sure it is a new thing for the league as well.

"They have got to take their time and make sure everybody is treated fairly.

"If they extend the season, they would have to do it for all the clubs, not just because Rangers have a lot of fixtures.

"I'm sure the league will look at that. I don't know what they will do but, so far, we are only talking about a situation that will occur if we get over two very difficult UEFA Cup ties."

The last game against Hibs - a Scottish Cup replay - ended in controversial fashion when Smith was sent to the stand following a technical area bust-up with Mixu Paatelainen.

But he insists there is no lingering ill-feeling between the two managers.

Smith said: "There is no problem with Mixu. We had a drink after the game. I have the two-match ban and he doesn't, but there's no problem with that.

"You hold your hand up and get on with it."

Meanwhile, DaMarcus Beasley will soon be back in the country after completing his rehabilitation in his native United States.

The winger was ruled out for the rest of the season after sustaining knee ligament damage back in November.

Smith said: "Beasley is back with us on Monday. He will be out for the rest of the season but he has finished his rehabilitation in America.

"He still has a bit to do and the specialists won't let him play before the end of the season."

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