Kris Boyd helped knock East Fife out the CIS Cup

Boyd grabbed a double as East Fife were beaten 4-0 in the CIS Insurance Cup.

"It's terrific going," said Smith. "He has worked hard this season in terms of his fitness and has done really well. I think he is improving as a player.

"The one thing that he has that no-one wants to take away from him is that he sees himself as a goalscorer first."

Third Division leaders East Fife had knocked out Queen of the South, of Division One, and SPL outfit St Mirren in previous rounds.

It has been a good wee run for a Third Division team like East Fife East Fife manager Dave Baikie

"These games are always very awkward and you find that the other team is very well motivated," said Smith.

"East Fife put a lot into the game and we were happy when we got a couple of goals for a level of comfort.

"At 1-0, East Fife hit the bar and could have been back into the game, so we were happy to get this tricky cup tie out of the way."

Boyd scored his second from the spot and East Fife branded Rangers' penalty "very, very soft" afterwards.

But manager Dave Baikie had no real complaints about their flirtation with the League Cup coming to an end.

"For us, it is the end of the run, but it has been a good wee run for a Third Division team like East Fife," he said.

"We beat St Mirren and this game was the reward for us. Now we concentrate on the games in the league."