[DavidMc]

Cup Final build-up

Rangers manager Walter Smith says his side will have to be on top form to beat Dundee United in Sunday's CIS Cup final at Hampden.

The Ibrox club have targeted a domestic treble and face Sporting Lisbon in the quarter-finals of the Uefa Cup.

"If we talk about the confidence in the Rangers camp being reasonably high, I think it'll be every bit as high in the Dundee United camp," said Smith.

"Both clubs have been consistent this season - it should be a good final."

Smith said he had been impressed by United manager Craig Levein and the Tannadice outfit this season.

Smith, who enjoyed spells as a player and manager at Tannadice, said United would be tough opponents at Hampden.

"Craig Levein took over at Dundee United just shortly before I came back to Rangers and Craig has turned their fortunes around as well," said the Rangers manager.

"They're having an extremely good season, and I always remember my time there.

"We didn't get to that many finals overall and you look forward to that, and I think Craig and his squad will look forward, as we will, to the first final of the season.

"Both clubs have been far more consistent this season and played to a better level than they have done previously. "

United are vying for third spot in the SPL and Smith said Levein should be proud of his achievements.

"He's brought stability back to the club, I don't think there's any doubt about that.

"Like we all do in football, he's had his ups and downs in the managerial stakes.

"But there's no doubt he's an excellent manager. He had no real need to prove that, but he's doing it again and because it's my old club I always like to see them do well."

Smith said United's goalless draw against SPL champions Celtic last Wednesday was further evidence of their progress under Levein.

"It was a terrific result for them there," said Smith.

"United, like ourselves, are a difficult team to overcome, and going to Celtic Park is one of the hardest places you can go to get a result, and they managed to do that."

Smith will be without the injured Daniel Cousin, the suspended Charlie Adam, Nacho Novo, and the cup-tied Steven Naismith for the final at Hampden

Defenders Steven Smith and Andy Webster may also miss out, despite returning to full training after long injury lay-offs.