RANGERS progressed through to the quarter-final stage of the League Cup thanks to a hard fought 2-1 win over Queen of the South at Palmerston.

Goals from Steven Naismith and super sub Nacho Novo on 15 and 79 minutes respectively were enough on a pulsating night in Dumfries.

But a late strike from Robert Harris made it a nervy final few minutes for Walter Smith's men who manged to hold out and can now look forward to tomorrow's draw for the next round.

The gaffer named a strong starting eleven for tonight's tie, making only four changes to the side that faced Killie on Saturday with Neil Alexander, Madjid Bougherra, Kevin Thomson and Jerome Rothen back in his team.

As expected Alexander was in goals for the first time this season and Smith stuck with his trusted back four of Steven Whittaker, David Weir, Bougherra and Sasa Papac.

In midfield Thomson joined Pedro Mendes in the centre with Steven Davis and Rothen on the right and left flanks.

They were asked to supply ammunition for the front two of Steven Naismith and Kris Boyd and in the opening half hour they did just that.

The passing was precise and the Doonhamers had no option but to sit deep and soak up the pressure that was being heaped upon them.

Steven Whittaker was guilty of missing a great chance after only 11 minutes.

Rothen whipped in a dangerous corner but the left-back, who sprinted away from his marker Stephen McKenna, headed over from only six yards.

The danger signs were there for the Doonhamers and on 15 minutes they conceded the opening goal.

Mendes played a delightful through pass to Boyd who sprinted down the right wing with two defenders desperately trying to get back.

The club's prolific marksman could have shot but instead he squared it delightfully to Naismith who fired the ball home confidently from six yards.

The next ten minutes saw Rangers push for a second goal but Queens started to get in the game after a controversial moment involving Boyd.

Mendes again played a clever pass through to his teammate who appeared to be brought down by Ludovic Roy as he tried to round the keeper.

Boyd immediately got to his feet and signaled to William Collum that it was not a spot kick but the ref quickly issued a yellow card to the delight of the home fans.

Only minutes later Boyd again looked to be upended, this time genuinely, but the official again let play continue.

Both moments seemed to spur Queens on and a bit of slackness crept in to Rangers' play.

Derek Holmes had an effort which went narrowly wide of Neil Alexander's goal but it was his strike partner David Weatherston that should have got his team back on level terms before the break.

The powerful forward latched on to a long ball and with Neil Alexander sprinting from his goal his lob from 20 yards went agonisingly wide.

Queens again started the second period in a positive fashion and Alexnder had to be lively to make an excellent save with his legs from a Weatherston snap shot.

The game was now open with both teams looking for a goal and Thomson came close when Roy tipped over a dipping 25 yard shot that was heading for the top corner.

Rothen was then given space on the left and his brilliant delivery was glanced wide by Papac who had pushed in to an advanced position.

An ankle injury to the experienced Steve Tosh was a set-back for Queens but this did not effect what was now an end-to-end encounter.

Bougherra came close to doubling his side's advantage with a glancing header which was palmed over superbly by the impressive Roy.

And at the other end an acrobatic overhead kick from Derek Holmes was brilliantly turned around the post by Alexander who was assured throughout.

On 75 minutes Smith decided to introduce Novo in place of Rothen and this move proved decisive.

Only four minutes later the Spaniard hit the net when he was found by Davis on the right and with only Roy to beat he picked his spot beyond the former St. Mirren shotstopper.

The game looked to be over but a spectacular left-foot strike from Harris in the 90th minute gave Queens a glimmer of hope but it was not to be for the First Division side

They put in a lot of effort throughout this intriguing battle but it is Rangers who progress to the quarter-final stage and this was a morale boosting result for the Light Blues with three massive games coming up against Aberdeen, Sevilla and Celtic.