Rangers manager Walter Smith paid tribute to his fringe players for rising to the challenge and booking a place in the semi-finals of the Co-operative Insurance Cup against a backdrop of turmoil.

The build-up to the match against Dundee was dominated by debate over how much control Lloyds Banking Group has over the club and speculation about a potential takeover.

"It's difficult for them," said Smith. "We made a lot of changes and had boys coming in who haven't played a lot of football recently and that's always a difficult factor when you pitch them into a game like that."

Smith also had problems to deal with on the pitch, with Madjid Bougherra, Pedro Mendes and Lee McCulloch all injured for the clash at Dens Park.

Youngsters Danny Wilson and Jordan McMillan both made their competitive debuts for the first team, while teenager John Fleck was drafted into the starting line-up and DaMarcus Beasley made a first appearance of the season.

Smith added: "You know that Dundee are going to be coming at you, it was a huge game for them, and it's an awkward one to handle.

"I was pleased overall by how we handled the game.

"When you're bringing a young boy in, it's always difficult for a young defender to come in and play. I always think it's slightly easier for players to come in further forward. But Danny Wilson came in and I thought he played very well tonight.

"He's normally a little bit more composed on the ball but he was just making sure he didn't make any mistakes.

"John Fleck, for most of the second half, played in what is his more natural position as a striker off the front type player. I felt once he settled there, he played very well."