Rangers boss Smith backs Old Firm hero Miller to silence his doubters

The former Celtic striker's return to the Govan club for the second time in the summer from Derby was met by disapproval among a large section of the Rangers support who have booed him continually this season.

Miller's first goal for the Hoops was against Rangers in 2006 and the irony was clear when his double against the Clydesdale Bank Premier League champions helped take the Light Blues top of the table.

Kenny Miller celebrates scoring his first goal for the club as Rangers beat Old Firm rivals Celtic 4-2

After Daniel Cousin put the visitors ahead with a fine solo strike, Georgios Samaras pounced to take the teams in to the interval level.

But former Parkhead player Miller scored either side of a wonderful Pedro
Mendes strike before Shunsuke Nakamura fired in an injury time consolation.

To add to the drama of a remarkable afternoon, both sides ended up with 10 men
after Cousin and Hoops' substitute Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink were sent packing.

But it was Miller's goals which were the focus of attention after the match.

Smith, who joked that, "he (Miller) wasn't under as much pressure as me," is confident the Scotland striker's double has at last made peace with the Ibrox supporters.

"If it doesn't then I don't know what he would need to do," the Rangers boss exclaimed.

"It's over with, he's got his goals and hopefully he can continue to get some more."

Smith was vindicated by his surprise decision to bring back Cousin, who was thought to be one of the many players heading out of Ibrox during the transfer window.

The Gabon striker had not featured since a substitute's appearance against Falkirk on the opening day of the season.

But the Ibrox boss said: "We thought about playing him during the week.

Celtic skipper Stephen McManus and Rangers striker Daniel Cousin were both sent off by referee Douglas McDonald during the fiery Old Firm clash

"We have a number of strikers and we have been playing them at different times.

"He's not going anywhere as far as I know, I haven't had any enquiries for any of our players and if he plays the way he played against Celtic then we will obviously be delighted.

"He has been inconsistent but in the bigger games he has been more of a threat for us and he showed that he has good strength, good pace and he can get a goal."

Cousin's sending off for two yellow cards, the second after clashing with Celtic skipper Stephen McManus, was played down by Smith.

He said: "Centre halves and centre forwards used to clash regularly and I don't think there was any animosity between the players.

"It was disappointing from our point of view because we were considering taking him off because of that situation but he was doing so well.

"But it was a good performance and that was the main thing.

"We were a little surprised to get four but obviously delighted that we did so."