Whittaker has been a regular scorer for Rangers this season

Rangers manager Walter Smith praised the impact of Steven Whittaker after the defender netted his 11th goal of the season in the win over Kilmarnock.

"It was a bit of a barren spell for him until tonight; he had gone two or three games without scoring," Smith joked.

"He's had a good contribution, especially as he's got most of them from full-back and two or three from midfield. He's done exceptionally well.

"It's a good evening's work from us. We're just delighted to get the win."

Whittaker's second-half opener was added to by Kenny Miller's strike as the Ibrox side moved 13 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premier League.

"It was a poor first half from us. We didn't play well at all and Kilmarnock were the better side.

"We were far better in the second half, the first 20-25 minutes especially when we picked the game up and played very well and managed to get the goals that eventually won us the game."

Smith's side are next in action against Dundee United in Sunday's Scottish Cup quarter-final tie before Rangers face St Mirren in the League Cup final a week later.

"It's a little bit of a break from the league campaign but it's not a break from playing and that's the most important thing.

"Hopefully we can continue our league form into the cup ties."

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