Champagne Super-Novo

[ian1964 10,448]

By Andrew Dickson

 

WALTER SMITH paid tribute to Nacho Novo after the Spaniard's brace inspired Rangers to victory in the semi-final of the League Cup against Falkirk.

 

Novo scores the first goalThe former Dundee hitman struck twice in the first half at Hampden to give the Light Blues a two-goal lead at half-time.

 

A constant threat to the Bairns, he had chance in the second half to complete a hat-trick before Kris Boyd netted to make it 3-0 at the end.

 

Novo has been used sparingly this season and tonight's match was only his eighth start of the campaign.

 

But it was easily his best game of the season to date and Smith admits he was impressed with the striker's work ethic.

 

He said: "Nacho is always alive and well and tonight he caused Falkirk a bit of trouble with his movement.

 

Novo was the goal hero at Hampden"He managed to get himself a couple of good goals and that is great for him as he deserves them for the amount of work he puts in."

 

It was a comfortable night for Smith's men in the end as they adapted to a poor surface far better than John Hughes' Bairns.

 

The manager was pleased to see the team reach its fourth final in his second spell in charge at Ibrox with some good football along the way.

 

Now he will take his team back to Hampden on March 15 to face either Celtic or Dundee United, who meet in the other semi-final tomorrow night.

 

Smith added: "We are delighted. It was always going to be a difficult game tonight and Falkirk had two opportunities in the first five minutes.

 

"It took good saves from Allan McGregor to keep them out and it took us a little bit of time to settle down.

 

"Once we did that, we got the first goal and I felt whoever got that would have a big advantage as the evening went on.

 

Stevie Naismith in action against Falkirk"From there, we went on to play some decent stuff and created some good chances throughout. In the end, I felt we deserved to win."

 

Another bright spot for Rangers was the second first-team appearance by Steven Naismith after his return from a serious knee injury earlier this month.

 

Just as he did at St Johnstone in the Scottish Cup two weeks ago, the former Kilmarnock youngster put in a good shift and caused all sorts of problems for Falkirk.

 

Smith said: "Steven has been doing well in his comeback, although I've stressed to people it takes a number of games for a player to find their rhythm.

 

"Defenders and central midfield players can come back a little bit easier than those who like to play further forward.

 

"It takes them a bit of time to get started again but Steven is getting there now and he did well tonight."

[maineflyer 0]

We are delighted because we are ever so slightly off the hook after some appalling decisions recently. We are grateful to nacho Novo because he has spared us further embarrassment for the moment. We are off now to stick our tongue where the lamp in Minty's office don't shine.