Lindsay Herron reporting from Dens Park
WALTER SMITH praised his young guns as Rangers safely negotiated a tough tie at Dens Park to move into the last four of the Co-operative Insurance Cup.
Smith handed debuts to Danny Wilson and Jordan McMillan and it was 18-year-old John Fleck who sealed a 3-1 win over Dundee.
The manager said: "I was very pleased with the young players - Jordan especially because the midfield area was busy and Dundee had more or less five players in there.
"Danny Wilson did well too. He was careful not to make any errors. He is normally more composed than that but he had a good debut and he is going to go on to be a good player.
"John Fleck too had a good game, especially when he moved into his more natural position which is just off the front.
"I think he is feeling more at home now and hopefully he can build on that."
Rangers took the lead through a Steven Whittaker header but were pegged by an excellent Leigh Griffiths free kick.
Ironically former Rangers youth player Gary MacKenzie headed into his own before Fleck sealed the win.
Smith was pleased with the overall performance, especially as he made so many changes to his team.
He said: "We have to give Dundee credit the way the played. I felt we started the game very well but then Dundee put us under pressure after we scored.
"When you make so many changes to your team you wonder how you are going to handle it and they handled it very well for the most part.
"We lost a goal direct from a free kick and we had to withstand a bit of pressure before half-time and in the early part of the second half.
"We were a bit fortunate to get the second goal but we settled after that and we managed to keep the ball better.
"With Dundee forced into coming forward we were able to hit them on the break and we got the third goal that way.
"Overall I was delighted because we made so many changes and it also enabled to get more match time for some players who need it."
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