John Brown was a cornerstone of the eighth-successive championship season and attributes Rangers' rejuvenation under Smith second time around to stemming the flow of goals.

The Clyde manager formed an impenetrable partnership with Richard Gough throughout the 1990s but was dismayed by his former team's weakness at the back under Paul Le Guen.

"This is Walter's first full season back and it was total chaos before," he said. "It got to the stage where I was watching Rangers and thinking, How many are they going to lose today?' "It is testament to the resilience that Rangers are now four points ahead of the team that won the last two titles at a canter.

"Whatever happens between now and the end of the season, Rangers will be stronger next time for the experience."

Brown takes a contrary view to the widespread belief that the destiny of the SPL trophy will be determined by outcome of the forthcoming Old Firm triple-bill. He anticipates points being lost throughout early spring. Preserving the fitness and form of David Weir, Carlos Cuellar and Barry Ferguson is essential to preserving Rangers' advantage for the league split.

"My main concern is the fixture backlog and what toll it will take on the squad," said Brown. "They have eight games in March alone and that is a tough ask for any team. It will stretch Rangers' resources to the limit and there will be an even bigger reliance on Cuellar and Weir.

"They have been fantastic this season and even though Andy Webster and Steven Smith are returning from long lay-offs, Rangers' success has been in having a settled central defence.

"Barry has not had a rest all season either, but has been giving his all in every game.

If the manager can keep them fresh then it gives them a solid foundation."

Brown is acutely aware of the criticism of Rangers' style under Smith but told The Herald that similarly derogatory remarks from former players fuelled their desire to complete the record-equalling nine-in-a-row sequence.

While Celtic were feted for their flair - provided in handsome measure by Paolo Di Canio, Jorge Cadete and Pierre van Hooijdonk - Rangers prevailed with a more industrious template.

"We loved being criticised," said Brown. "I just hope the players get the same reaction from it this season. We used to pin up these articles from players who had never won a meaningful trophy in their lives and use it as motivation. You know what? It worked a treat. We all knew what was being said from the outside, that Celtic were the entertainers, but that made us more determined.

"It got to the stage that Andy Goram would take the huff if he lost a goal in training. It really was that competitive. We shut up those people who continued to open their mouths without thinking."

Smith's man-management will be influential at the business end of the season. FIFA have yet to make a decision on Daniel Cousin's £3m transfer to Fulham but the Gabon internationalist was recalled at the weekend and scored the opening goal in a 4-2 win over Gretna. Maximising the impact of his forward players will be a delicate but potentially decisive undertaking.

"A lot of fans would have expected Kris Boyd to keep his place after working hard for the team against Panathinaikos but Daniel came in, got the first goal, and could have had another one or two," said Brown. "Whatever happens, Cousin is on the payroll at Rangers and has professional pride to think about. The manager has a lot of options and finding the right balance for the right games will be as important as keeping Weir and Cuellar together at the other end."

Will the league come down to a straight shoot-out in the remaining derbies? "No, I don't see it being as simple as that," said Brown. "I heard Tommy Burns say at the weekend that it Celtic's 1-0 win against St Mirren wasn't pretty and there will be a few of them from both sides before the season is out.

"I don't think either team will fancy going to Fir Park on that pitch in this weather needing a result. The Old Firm games will give an indication but there are plenty of twists and turns left."