Rangers took a massive step towards the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title when they clinched a 1-0 victory in the final Old Firm derby of the season.

Steven Davis proved to be the difference between the two teams when he grabbed the only goal of the game at Ibrox.

The victory could prove pivotal in the title race as Rangers move two points ahead of Celtic into pole position with just three games remaining.

Davis attempted to give Rangers an early advantage with a shot from distance which flashed across the face of goal and wide without really troubling Artur Boruc in the Celtic goal.

Celtic had the opportunity to put their hosts under pressure when they earned a free-kick just outside the box for a David Weir foul on Scott McDonald. Shunsuke Nakamura presided over the set-piece and a well struck, curling effort was tipped just over the crossbar by Rangers goalkeeper Neil Alexander.

If that chance was close, Steven Whittaker then drew gasps from the Ibrox crowd with a cross intended for Davis which eluded everyone in the box before smacking off the far post.

Rangers surged into the lead eight minutes before the break when Kris Boyd slipped a pass through to Kenny Miller who whipped the ball into the goalmouth for Davis to slide into the back of the net from inside the six-yard box.

Celtic then had a great chance to restore parity before the half-time whistle but Davis' contribution at the other end proved to be just as significant when he cleared a Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink header off the line.

A major criticism of Boyd's game has been his lack of goals against Celtic - he had netted just once in 18 career appearances before this game - and he squandered another great opportunity. The striker ran onto a lovely ball from Miller, raced into the box, and squeezed between two hooped jerseys only to fire straight at Boruc.

Aiden McGeady came on with just over an hour gone and was not too far away with a blistering drive which was narrowly off-target as the champions. Boyd could have sealed the win with five minutes to go but nodded over but Rangers managed to hold on for the win which puts them in the driving seat.