 Walter Smith says there are no problems in the Rangers dressing room
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Rangers manager Walter Smith says there are no disruptive influences in the Ibrox dressing room.
Smith stripped Barry Ferguson of the captaincy and suspended the midfielder and goalkeeper Allan McGregor for their V-sign gestures while on Scotland duty.
The pair, who apologised for their actions, have been told their international careers are over.
"It's not a problem within the group so I did not feel the need to speak to them about this," said Smith.
Ferguson, 31, and McGregor, 27, have apologised for their actions while on the bench during the World Cup qualifier against Iceland at Hampden on Wednesday.
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I've been here a couple of years and if I thought there had ever been that sort of influence, I would have done something
Rangers manager Walter Smith
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They had been dropped from the starting line-up following a late-night drinking session at the Scotland team's hotel following the 3-0 defeat by Netherlands.
But their gestures sparked an outcry and the Scottish Football Association released a statement two days later indicating they would no longer be considered for international duty.
Their futures at Ibrox are now in doubt after they were fined two weeks' wages and suspended for a fortnight, with the Rangers chief executive Martin Bain saying they had brought the club into disrepute.
Ferguson was also stripped of the captaincy by former Rangers manager Paul Le Guen in January 2007.
However, Smith was adamant there were no corrosive influences in the Ibrox dressing room.
News conference - Rangers manager Walter Smith
"I've been here a couple of years and if I thought there had ever been that sort of influence, I would have done something," he said.
Ferguson, who was Scotland captain and has been capped 45 times, apologised for his error of judgement.
"I deeply regret what happened last weekend and the events during the last week and apologise wholeheartedly for the embarrassment caused to Scotland, Rangers, both sets of supporters and my friends and family," he told the club website.
"I have always considered playing for Rangers and Scotland an honour and a privilege and nothing will change that and I am bitterly disappointed by the announcement that I will not be selected for Scotland again."
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And McGregor was equally contrite, adding: "We all make mistakes in life and I am very disappointed to have let Rangers, Scotland, my family and all the fans down."
Defender David Weir, who will captain Rangers for the rest of the season, has backed Smith and the club's decision to take firm action.
"I don't think anyone could say the manager is not fair," said Weir.
"In the cold light of day I don't think many people will have many arguments with his decision.
"With his track record, he usually comes up with the right decision. The boys will be gutted for Barry and Allan because we want them playing here.
"Personally, I can understand the manager's decision. He has got to do what he thinks is right for the club."
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