RANGERS reached their fifth domestic final in a row thanks to a hard-fought 2-0 League Cup semi-final victory over St. Johnstone at Hampden.
Despite the arctic conditions, and a spirited display from their Perth opponents, Walter Smith’s side were too strong over the 90 minutes.
And they can now look forward to facing St. Mirren at the national stadium on March 21 for the first piece of silverware on offer this season.
With Sasa Papac injured Stevie Smith was included in the starting eleven this evening and he was impressive throughout.
Neil Alexander also returned to the team in place of Allan McGregor having played in previous League Cup rounds against Queen of the South and Dundee.
The manager did not make any further changes for kick-off with Danny Wilson, David Weir and Steven Whittaker retaining their places at the back.
In midfield Kevin Thomson and Lee McCulloch were in the centre with Steven Davis and John Fleck on the right and left flanks respectively.
This left Kyle Lafferty and Nacho Novo to spearhead the attack.
The game started very positively with both sides squandering guilt-edged chances to take the lead.
On seven minutes Steven Davis played a teasing pass beyond the Saints defence and Nacho Novo beat their poor attempt at an offside trap.
With former Ger Graeme Smith rushing to the edge of his 18-yard box Nacho toe poked it past him but David Mackay was there to make a superb goalline clearance after the Spaniard had tried his luck from a tight angle.
At the other end Derek McInnes’ men should have opened the scoring on 15 minutes.
Gary Irvine did well to find space down the right wing and his inswinging cross with his left foot was somehow headed wide by Murray Davidson from six yards.
On a big night like this it was an opportunity he had to take and his side were punished midway through the half.
With 20 minutes played John Fleck saw Davis sprinting unmarked through the middle of the Saints’ backline.
His pass to his teammate was perfect but having rounded Graeme Smith his netbound effort was blocked by Irvine.
This, however, was a sign of what was to come and five minutes later Novo broke in to the box with intent.
His low cross again found Davis and although his initial effort was saved by Smith he calmly smashed his second attempt in from two yards.
Despite taking the lead Gers assistant boss Ally McCoist was like a man possessed in his technical area, barking orders and kicking the ground in frustration.
If the Rangers players had thought they could relax after taking the lead they could think again with Super Ally snarling from the sidelines.
His side responded and on 38 minutes a second goal arrived courtesy of Lee McCulloch.
Steven Whittaker picked the ball up in the 18 yard box and when he fed it back to Jig his 22 yard effort flew through a packed penalty area and beyond keeper Smith who seemed to misjudge the pace of the ball as it skidded off the Hamden surface and underneath his body.
Former Celtic forward Cillian Sheridan had a chance to reduce his side’s deficit before the break but his header went straight at Alexander.
At half-time Dougie McDonald ordered for the lines on the pitch to be swept with conditions getting worse and the Saints fans did have something to cheer when players from their youth players won a skills challenge.
This, however, was to be the highlight of a disappointing night for the Perth side who, understandably, came out fighting at the start of the second period with McInnes switching to a 4-4-2 formation.
A minute in and a Sheridan snap shot from 15 yards was well saved by Alexander who dived low to his right.
And after a five minute spell which St. Johnstone dominated Walter Smith exchanged places with assistant McCoist in the technical area to gee up his men who were under sustained pressure for the first time in this contest.
On 60 minutes the management trio looked to be forced in to making their first change with Lafferty being replaced in attack by the versatile Andrew Little.
Lafferty appeared to hobble off the pitch and there were further concerns two minutes later When Novo, a constant threat on the night, was also taken off and Steven Naismith took his place.
This swap almost paid immediate dividends when Steven Whittaker delivered a teasing cross to the near post and Naisy stole in front of Smith but could only blast his volley wide of target.
With Saints throwing everything forward there were inevitably gaps opening up at the back and on 69 minutes Whittaker took full advantage when he powered past two players with a stunning turn of pace before chipping the ball to the back post.
Irvine barged Naismith in the back and referee Dougie McDonald immediately pointed to the spot.
Naismith quickly grabbed the ball but his tame effort from 12 yards was brilliantly saved by Smith.
Rangers had another great chance to go 3-0 up when John Fleck was put clear but the 18-year-old was guilty of taking the wrong option by trying to shoot when he had two players in a better position.
But on 78 minutes the young Scot showed his undoubted talent when he skinned three players with but having done the hard part his resulting effort was blocked.
It was now relentless stuff from Rangers and 60 seconds later Naismith bore down on goal and he looked to be pushed in the back before he was about to shoot.
The ref decided to let play continue on this occasion and Irvine had to be sharp to make a last ditch clearance before Fleck could finish.
St. Johnstone must be praised for their effort and determination on the night but they could not find a way past Alexander who was well protected by Weir and Wilson.
At times it wasn’t pretty but Rangers have again showed their resilience and their fans can now look forward to their fifth domestic final in the space of two-and-a-half years.