RANGERS manager Walter Smith has labelled Falkirk as a real danger in tonight's Co-operative Cup semi-final.

RANGERS manager Walter Smith has labelled Falkirk as a real danger in tonight's Co-operative Cup semi-final.

The Ibrox men have beaten the Bairns on both occasions they have met in the SPL this season, but Smith is adamant that John Hughes' side pose a significant threat to his ambitions of making the first cup final of the domestic campaign.

He said: "Falkirk showed at Ibrox recently that they have settled down and are an awkward proposition. They got a good draw against Motherwell on Saturday.

"I am a little bit surprised they are in the situation they are in as they always play to a good standard.

"Any time we have beaten Falkirk they have made us work hard for the victory.

"I think John Hughes has tightened up his team in recent matches but not to the detriment of the way they pass the ball. John deserves credit for that.

"When I look at them I can only see them climb away from the relegation battle. They look as if they are coming out of their dip.

"They will look at tonight's game as one that can give them a boost and that will make Falkirk even more dangerous for us."

Smith says he is not worried about Bairns boss Hughes springing any tactical surprises despite the fact Yogi has recently adopted a more pragmatic approach to his side's previous total football ethos.

The Rangers manager said: "We play each other four times a season in the league so we know how they play and we are aware that they have changed the way they play recently.

"It would be hard for any team in Scotland to change the way they play and surprise you.

"But Falkirk have always given us a tough game and it won't be any different this evening."

Meanwhile, Smith has reported no fresh injuries for the last four clash at Hampden.

He said: "Kyle Lafferty and Maurice Edu are still out although Kyle should be fit for Dundee United on Saturday."