Walter Smith hailed Rangers' resilience as they won the Co-operative Insurance Cup despite having two men sent off against St Mirren.

The Ibrox side showed steely determination to keep the Buddies at bay on Saturday after Kevin Thomson and Danny Wilson were shown straight reds in the second-half of the Hampden Park showpiece.

With the scores goalless and time running out, extra-time beckoned until Kenny Miller rose unmarked to head in substitute Steven Naismith's cross in the 83rd minute to secure the Light Blues' 26th League Cup trophy.

And Smith was delighted that his side were able to keep alive their hopes of landing a domestic treble.

"When we went down to nine men I felt it was just a matter of trying to hold on but we managed to break away and it was a terrific goal," said the Gers manager.

"I'm really pleased for all the boys who had to put in a lot of work there."

St Mirren manager Gus MacPherson admitted the defeat was hard to take.

"After being in control for a high percentage of the game we got caught out with a ****** punch," said the Buddies boss.

"Everyone will talk about Rangers being down to nine men but even with a full complement we were the better team."