Miller beats Alexander for Rangers' winner at Palmerston

Walter Smith has reiterated his desire to add to his Rangers squad but insists his younger players will be given the chance to impress in the coming season.

Rangers beat Queen of the South at Palmerston on Sunday, a testimonial match for the Doonhamers' Jim Thomson.

"We know we need to increase our squad by two or maybe three players and hopefully we can do that," said Smith.

"But even allowing for that there will be plenty of opportunity for those young lads to make an impression."

Kenny Miller scored the game's only goal in the second half, beating his own team-mate Neil Alexander, who had been loaned to the home side for the second half of the game after an injury to Queens' goalkeeper Roddy McKenzie.

Smith gave run-outs to John Fleck, Jordan McMillan, Andrew Shinnie, Greg Wylde, Jamie Ness and Thomas Kind Bendiksen as well as his more experienced campaigners in Dumfries.

Bendiksen made his Rangers debut against Queen of the South

"We had a slow start and I think that's fair enough given the number of weeks we've had off now," added Smith on Rangers' official website.

"It picked up a little towards half-time and immediately after half-time we were better and got the breakthrough.

"We changed things around then as we had always planned to do, but it was a good first game for us and one we were pleased to win.

"It's always good to get started with the games and we've been training intensively for a couple of weeks now so the focus changes a little towards the matches.

"The First Division teams have competitive cup ties in the next few weeks so they were ahead in terms of fitness and games.

"But we'll get a competitive edge as we get more games. We have three good ones in Australia and then a few more when we come back before the season starts."

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