Nine-man Rangers triumph

Rangers FC completed the first part of what they hope will be a domestic treble by defeating Saint Mirren FC 1-0 in the Scottish League Cup final, despite playing the final 19 minutes with nine men.

Midfielder Kevin Thomson (53) was dismissed for a tackle on his namesake, Steven, before 18-year-old centre-back Danny Wilson was sent off for bringing down Buddies striker Craig Dargo. The Paisley club, one place off the foot of the Scottish Premier League, were unable to make their strength in numbers count, however, and conceded with six minutes remaining when substitute Steven Naismith crossed for Kenny Miller to head the winner and secure the Glasgow giants the trophy for the 26th time.

Walter Smith, whose Rangers team are also through to the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup and ten points clear of Celtic FC at the top of the championship, said: "I've been lucky enough to win a few cups and that was a terrific one for our boys. We didn't play well but we've won and that's the main thing."