Smith Satisfied As Rangers Bag Semis Slot

The Gers fell behind at New Douglas Park on Saturday before storming back to victory courtesy of a double from controversial striker Kris Boyd and one from equally maligned Spanish substitute Nacho Novo.

On Tuesday evening at Ibrox, the Gers enjoyed a more comfortable game, running out 2-0 winners to throw their name into the hat for the League Cup semi-finals draw.

Jean-Claude Darcheville teed up Boyd as a strong side got off the mark midway through the first half and the hitman made no mistake, smashing past Tomas Cerny.

It took until five minutes after the interval for the Light Blues to double their advantage, when Kyle Lafferty nodded Steven Davis' fine cross into the net.

Accies' only real threat during the 90 minutes came through Richard Offiong, who appealed in vain for a penalty with 20 minutes remaining.

Satisfied gaffer Walter Smith told BBC Scotland after the game: "Hamilton came to restrict us from playing the way we wanted to and they succeeded in doing that.

"We had to work hard throughout and it was a good second goal from us."

Skipper Barry Ferguson was an unusued substitute, as was utility man Steven Whittaker. The pair's return from injury woes - Ferguson has missed the entire pre-season and the start of the new campaign - will be a massive boost for the Gers.

Midfielder Davis can't wait for the return of Ibrox talisman Baz, telling the club's official website: "It will be great to have him back. He'll give the manager a bit of a selection headache as he's the complete midfielder.

"He can get forward, tracks back and he's a good passer of the ball...he'll fit back into the side really well."

Ferguson could start against Inverness at the weekend, having come through a couple of reserve encounters and a period of full training unscathed.

Liam Black, Goal.com