Smith’s praise as Rangers’ fringe players deliver

RANGERS manager Walter Smith paid tribute to his fringe players for rising to the challenge against a backdrop of turmoil.

The build-up to the Co-operative Insurance Cup quarter-final was dominated by speculation about a potential takeover at Ibrox.

Youngsters Danny Wilson and Jordan McMillan both made their competitive debuts for the first team, while teenager John Fleck was drafted into the starting line-up and DaMarcus Beasley made a first appearance of the season.

Smith said: “We made a lot of changes and had boys coming in who haven’t played a lot of football recently which was difficult for them.

“You know Dundee are going to be coming at you. It was a huge game for them and an awkward one.

“I was pleased by how we handled the game.”