Lafferty seals Gers title triumph

Kyle Lafferty was the unlikely hero as Rangers secured their 53rd championship with a 1-0 victory over Hibernian in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

Celtic's own win over Dundee United earlier on Sunday meant there would be no celebrations before kick-off at Easter Road with the Scottish champions under pressure to deliver the result that would seal the silverware.

And, despite what has been another unconvincing season from Lafferty, he grabbed his third goal in four games to ensure the trophy will remain at Ibrox.

Kenny Miller squandered the chance to open the scoring when he hooked over the crossbar from 10 yards but Rangers were celebrating with 17 minutes gone.

Miller lofted the ball into the path of Lafferty, who shrugged off Chris Hogg, before nodding down and sending an angled drive into the back of the net.

Hibs tried to hit back quickly and Allan McGregor was called into action to block a ferocious shot from distance from Derek Riordan.

Rangers could have added to their lead when Kevin Thomson picked out David Weir from a free-kick a couple of yards in front of the corner flag and he nodded on for Maurice Edu who directed his header onto the roof of the net.

The home side squandered a great chance to haul themselves level shortly after half-time when John Rankin set up David Wotherspoon and the youngster unleashed a powerful effort that whistled just over as Rangers breathed a sigh of relief.

With 15 minutes remaining McGregor was called into action to pull off an impressive save and push Riordan's volley past his left-hand post as the Ibrox side held onto their narrow lead.

Hibs substitute Colin Nish had the ball in the back of the net with six minutes to go but was penalised for a foul on McCulloch as Rangers held on for the win - and the title.