Smith was pleased with the response of his team after the cup exit

Rangers manager Walter Smith was pleased to end a difficult week on a high with a 4-1 win over Hearts.

The handsome win at Tynecastle followed a midweek Scottish Cup exit at the hands of Dundee United.

And the win strengthened Rangers' position at the top of the Scottish Premier League.

"We did have a disappointment in midweek and it was important that we got back right away and we did. It was a huge win for us," said Smith.

"That was a big, big game for us. You reach a stage of the season where it's important that you're not going to lapse in any way and that was the big thing about the game.

"We showed that we've got the desire and spirit to come up against a team who were prepared to go and put us under pressure very early.

"We handled that aspect of it and I'm delighted with the win."

Steven Naismith's second-half double added to earlier goals by Danny Wilson and Kenny Miller and Smith was delighted to see the former Kilmarnock forward finding the net for the first time since September.

"Stevie Naismith has started to hit form at the right time of the season for us," added Smith.

"He played his part with two goals, it was terrific from him.

"Our players have been very consistent over the season. There are some, like Steven, who have had injury problems here and there. He's settled down over the last couple of months and now he's as confident as he has been since he initially came to us.

"He had a really good spell when he came to us before getting a bad injury, so we're all pleased for him. He's a terrific lad and he has a great attitude."

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