Smith relieved at settlement with Scottish FA

Walter Smith said yesterday he is relieved his fight with the Scottish Football Association is over. The SFA had threatened legal action against Smith and Rangers after he resigned as Scotland manager to return to Ibrox for a second spell as manager.

After three days of wrangling, the SFA and Rangers have agreed a £400,000 compensation package, and Smith said: "It was a regrettable aspect of the past few days. I'm glad it's over with and I think it allows each of us to get on and do what we want to do. It's a business thing more than anything - I don't think it was particularly personal."

Heavy rain last night was threatening to wipe out Smith's first game back at Ibrox. An 8.30am pitch inspection today will determine whether the game against Dundee United can go ahead following the torrential downpours in Glasgow this week. Airdrie's First Division home match against Dundee has already been called off due to a waterlogged pitch and St Mirren against Motherwell is in danger of postponement.

Should his game go ahead, Smith will have almost a full squad from which to choose. Only Steven Smith (groin) and Libor Sionko (ankle) remain injured.

The SPL leaders Celtic will be without their captain, Neil Lennon, for the trip to Hearts tomorrow as he is suspended. The defender Stephen McManus is again a doubt due to his long-standing groin injury.

Hearts' head coach, Valdas Ivanauskas, is expected to make several changes from the side that beat Stranraer in the Scottish Cup last week. Midfielder Bruno Aguiar is suspended, while defender Robbie Neilson is also banned.