Rangers start SPL title defence with 4-1 win

Rangers got the defence of their Scottish Premier League (SPL) title off to a winning start courtesy of a Kenny Miller double in a 4-1 win over Falkirk at Ibrox yesterday.

The league flag was unfurled before kick-off and the Rangers fans were soon celebrating again when an unstoppable strike from Lee McCulloch opened the scoring.

Carl Finnegan soon had the Bairns level but Scotland striker Miller netted either side of half-time and Steven Naismith scored late on to seal a victory which, for long periods, did not appear to be coming easily against a spirited Falkirk side.

Rangers go top ahead of Kilmarnock, 3-0 winners over Hamilton, and Old Firm rivals Celtic, who warmed up for their crucial Champions League match against Arsenal on Tuesday with a 3-1 win away to Aberdeen thanks to an Aiden McGeady double and one from Australian striker Scott McDonald.

With Tony Mowbray taking charge of his first league match since replacing Gordon Strachan in the close-season, Celtic's players were keen to show they can win back the title from Rangers and raced into a three-goal lead before half-time.

Although Dons midfielder Sone Aluko pulled one back after the break, there was never any danger of a telling comeback.

"In the first half we played some good football, it could have been five or six," McGeady said.

"It was a disappointment not to score more goals in the first half."

Mowbray added: "We were frustrated at half-time. We should have had one or two more goals."