Rangers manager Walter Smith is ready to embrace the glamour of an AC Milan friendly as he tries to restore goodwill at Ibrox following a trying January transfer window.

The desperate financial situation at the club prompted the admission that some players must be sold to reduce the inflated wage bill.

But the intense speculation about Kris Boyd, Barry Ferguson and Pedro Mendez resulted in nothing but protests on the terraces as Rangers fans voiced their anger.

Now Smith admits he hopes a world class display of football will refocus attentions: “I think everyone will look forward to seeing some of the best players in the world.

“We’ve missed our European football this year. Although it’s only a friendly game AC Milan have got their full squad. They’ve got a mouth watering array of players available to them and friendly games give them an opportunity to show their full level of skills.”

He said: "I've stressed that it wasn't through choice that we had to sell a player, it was through necessity. Everybody at the club was behind that decision. But we are happy in one way that we still have the same squad for the second half of the season."

He continued: “We’re pleased with the group that we have. I’m pleased that despite all the speculation that’s surrounded the club it hasn’t affected us in the games that we’ve played during the period.”

The return of Steven Naismith and the emergence of 17-year-old wonder-kid John Fleck as a first team contender were also stressed as positives to be taken into the coming season.

“Steven Naismith will take a bit of time to come back to fitness but we’re delighted the way he’s progressing,” Smith continued.

“John Fleck has come in and played very well for us. He’s deserved his start and he’s given us a little bit of a lift in a period of time when we knew we weren’t able to bring someone in during the transfer window.

“He’s actually come in and started playing, so it’s like having a new player.”