The young Gers are level on points with Hibernian at the summit of the league table but trail the Edinburgh side on goal difference with six games remaining.
Smith’s side square off against Queen’s Park this afternoon before trips to face St. Mirren and Hibs over the next seven days.
Speaking to preview his side’s upcoming fixtures, he commented: “I mentioned after the game [on Tuesday], that if they play with that quality they showed in the first half – and it’s not always going to be that pretty – and bring the tactical side and mentality then they’re a real handful.
“It’s been consistent over a number of years from the group.
“There are typically more bumps in the road than there have been.
“I take my hat off to them, but it doesn’t stop now because there are a few big weeks coming up.
“It’s part of being here and this is what it is.
“If you can replicate something that gets to the top-end of this club, which is the first-team to try to compete and win, then it’s good for us. It’s a good message to the players.
“I spoke about having a semi-final and potential final; we have six league games to go. It’s about mentality now.
The side can take plenty of confidence from their Glasgow Cup semi-final success over Partick Thistle in midweek, earned through goals from Callum Burnside and Chris Eadie.
Burnside, in particular, is a player enjoying a purple patch in front of goal having netted four times in his last three appearances.
Smith said of the Northern Irishman: “He makes an impact, and Callum has always done that since I’ve known him.
“Even if he’s not playing to the level – or I’m considering taking him off the pitch – you always know he has something in him to produce.
“It sometimes doesn’t come off for him and we speak to him about it, but when it does come off, he does produce quality and numbers with it.”
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