Ferguson returns as Gers defeat Dons

However, the Ibrox side will be well aware that a Celtic victory at Hibernian on Sunday will see the defending champions return to the summit with one game remaining.

A Richard Foster own-goal and a header from Kenny Miller were enough to seal the points, despite Michael Paton pulling a goal back for the Dons, but whether the narrow victory will be enough for Rangers remains to be seen.

Ferguson was back for the first time since being stripped of the captaincy and banned by the club for his part in the infamous 'Boozegate' affair. But he was forced to share the headlines with referee Stuart Dougal who was responsible for two harsh straight red cards for Charlie Mulgrew and Madjid Bougherra just days after a fiery exchange with Dundee United boss Craig Levein, and a week before his retirement from the game.

Rangers received a boost to their cause after 18 minutes when Mulgrew was rather harshly shown a straight red card for an alleged head-butt on Kyle Lafferty, who appeared to make the most of the incident.

But the hosts were dealt a blow when Bougherra was dismissed six minutes before half-time for a high sliding challenge on Jamie Langfield. The referee appeared to make the controversial call after consulting with his assistant but, for the second time, a red card did not appear to be warranted.

With just over an hour gone, Ferguson was thrown into the action in place of Pedro Mendes to the delight of the Ibrox crowd but the decision to hook Kris Boyd for Nacho Novo was less popular.

When the opener finally arrived after 66 minutes, it was from a surprise source. Miller whipped a dangerous centre across goal intended for Lafferty and Foster's attempts at a clearance saw him stab into his own net instead.

It was the breakthrough Rangers needed and they doubled their lead two minutes later. This time, Novo's cross found Miller six yards out, who escaped Foster to power a header past Langfield into the back of the net.

Aberdeen could have pulled a goal back when Gary McDonald found himself through on goal with only Neil Alexander to beat but he somehow blasted over. However, he made amends with some good work on the left before delivering the ball into the goalmouth for substitute Michael Paton, who managed to find space before turning and prodding home with 77 minutes gone.