WALTER SMITH is taking no chances as Rangers attempt to reach the £10million group stage of the Champions League.

The Ibrox boss flew to Lithuania last night to watch FBK Kaunas in league action as they recorded a 1-0 victory over FK Suduva at the Dariaus Ir Gireno stadium.

He was joined in the Baltic state by first-team coach and European spy Ian Durrant, who has remained there since the weekend when he assessed the Ibrox side's likely Champions League second qualifying round opponents.

Kaunas are expected to overcome Andorran minnows Santa Coloma to set up a two-leg tie with the Ibrox club. For Rangers, there can be no slip-ups as elimination at this stage would see last year's Uefa Cup finalists crash out of Europe completely.

And with a cash jackpot waiting for teams gaining entry to the group stage, Smith is leaving nothing to chance as he attempts to guide his team through qualification.

As he prepared to leave Lithuania this morning, Smith told SportTimes: "We're gathering as much information as possible on both Kaunas and Santa Coloma ahead of our second qualifying round tie with either of them. Ian Durrant flew out to Lithuania over the weekend to watch Kaunas, and I flew out yesterday morning to take in last night's game against FK Suduva.

"Next week, Ally McCoist will take in the first round qualifying tie and he'll also be at the return leg.

"So we're doing everything we can to make sure there will be no surprises.

"Santa Coloma are only playing friendly matches just now so the only opportunity we'll really get to see them is against Kaunas.

"Regardless of which side we face, we'll have seen a fair bit of them. It's vital to know as much as possible about your European opponents, and that was something we worked really hard on last season.

"Players prefer to know about teams they come up against, and individual players they will be facing.

"Of course, you have to concentrate on your own game but it doesn't do any harm to have information on your opponents."

Meanwhile, Rangers are still in talks with Watford over Danny Shittu. However, it's unlikely that a deal for the 27-year-old defender will be agreed before Smith's squad head out for their three-game tour of Germany on Saturday.

Blackburn Rovers are believed to have upped their bid for Fulham midfielder Steven Davis to £3.5m.

Smith wants the Northern Ireland internationalist back after he spent part of last season on loan, but will not pay the London club's £4m valuation.

The Rangers boss has other midfield targets in mind and hopes to have that position, and a centre-half, secured before the July 24 signing deadline for the Champions League second qualifying round.