Walter Smith thought his substitutions paid off

"Kevin Thomson has been performing very well for us in midfield, but I felt it was important that Brahim was given a game," Smith told BBC Sport.

"We can now look at Wednesday for the match against Barcelona if he came through without any problems.

"Jean-Claude and Daniel Cousin came on and looked sharp at the end."

Interview: Rangers manager Walter Smith

Hemdani and Darcheville have just recovered from injury and Smith had admitted before the game that it was a dilemma whether to risk them against Inverness.

We didn't reach the levels of some recent games Rangers manager Walter Smith

But Thomson's suspension meant that Hemdani will be a straight replacement in the Nou Camp.

"I am pleased with the result, which was the main thing for us," said Smith.

"We started the game well and got an early goal. But, after that, we were fairly flat.

"We didn't reach the levels of some recent games and that is fairly understandable, although not an excuse, considering the number of games we have had recently.

MY SPORT: DEBATE I reckon that we are going to go through with Barcelona BlueHeaven1972

"Nacho Novo and Kris Boyd had a tough game up front in midweek.

"The two who came on were lively, but it is easier to do that sometimes if you are coming on when opponents are tired."