RANGERS fans celebrated the homecoming of Walter Smith almost as much as they toasted the many titles he brought to the club. It just proves how bad things had become down Ibrox way this season.

And the man who led the Gers to nine-in-a-row couldn't have asked for a better start to his second spell at the helm as his side recorded their most convincing win of the season.

Working with the same group of players who under-achieved greatly under Paul Le Guen's leadership, Smith's arrival, and that of Ally McCoist and Kenny McDowall, managed to spark a positive reaction.

But while the 5-0 victory over Dundee United convinced parts of the Ibrox legions that Rangers were back in business, not everyone was allowing themselves to be carried away in the euphoria.

Certainly, Swedish stopper Karl Svensson had his feet firmly planted on the ground despite the rare clean sheet, and still does, as he now prepares for the trip to East End Park to take on Dunfermline.

"Let's not forget," he pointed out. "We have been here before. We have played well this season, enjoyed some good results, but then dropped points the following weekend.

"So we will see how we get on against Dunfermline. We must build on the win over Dundee United and make sure we perform just as well in our next game.

"Of course, we can be pleased with the victory. I thought we played very well and scored some good goals.

"The atmosphere inside the stadium was good and the players worked very hard for the three points. But, as I've said, we have been in a similar position before and we must be more consistent from now on.

"We have to put a run of results together and keep winning games. Rather than look at how far Celtic are ahead of us or what other teams are close to us, we must just take it game to game.

"If we do that, and keep winning, then things will improve - that is obvious. You can't play 95% - you have to play with 100% all of the time.

"So we will work hard again in training this week and then go out and do it again. That is the key to it."

One of the first acts carried out by Rangers following Le Guen's exit was to sign Andy Webster on loan from Wigan, although injury could prevent him from making his debut in the near future.

Scotland and Everton man Davie Weir is also set to sign.

Clearly, the new Ibrox boss is looking to improve a defence that has been at the root of many of the team's troubles this term.

Players will be coming and going before the end of the month. However, Smith has said it's a fresh start for every member of his squad.

To Svensson's credit, he looked more aggressive when United pumped high balls and crosses into the penalty area than he has previously this term and is still young enough to be moulded and improved.

And he hopes to impress Smith now that he has come on board.

He said: "It's a new manager but it doesn't matter if you are Scottish or a foreign player, you have to show that you are good enough. The previous manager signed me and he believed in us, but now it is a fresh start for everyone. Everyone has to show they are good enough.

"I know Walter Smith has a good reputation. He was successful here in the past and he improved the national team.

"I think you always have to show you are good enough. Even with the national team, you must always try to impress the manager.

"And when you are at a big club like Rangers you know there is going to be competition for places and new players coming in. That is the way it is at the big clubs.

"I always hope to improve all the time, but it's up to the manager if I'm good enough. I just want to work hard and hopefully help the team win as many games as possible between now and the end of the season."