A win at Tannadice would have allowed Rangers to extend their lead at the summit to a nine points but the SPL leaders were grateful for a draw following a thrilling six-goal contest.

He said: "Everyone was quick to say that last week's (Old Firm) game was a league decider and I was quick to point out that we do have to play other teams.

"In Scotland, I don't think we give enough credit to the amount of effort that teams put into their games.

"Rangers and Celtic never win games easily and there was always going to be points dropped against other sides, never mind against each other.

"That has happened and it was always going to be a really awkward game for us here." And, with Motherwell, Hibernian and Dundee United all still vying for third place and a UEFA Cup spot, Smith believes there could be more difficult weekends ahead for both halves of the Old Firm.

He added: "For the last few seasons the third-place team has been in position for a period, as have Celtic in terms of being champions.

"This season, you have two teams fighting for the championship and three teams fighting for a European place. The last period of the season will always be a difficult one."