Kenny Miller’s derby day double ensured Rangers took the spoils in the first Old Firm match of the season at Ibrox on Sunday.

The Scottish striker bagged an early brace to put the home side in charge and although Aiden McGeady converted a first-half penalty to put Celtic back in contention, the Bhoys couldn’t muster an equaliser and the match finished 2-1.

The Celtic defence were left dumbfounded for Miller’s first in the seventh minute as the Rangers forward latched on to Kris Boyd’s clever pass before slotting calmly past Bhoys keeper Artur Boruc.

Just eight minutes later Miller found more space behind the Celtic defence and although Boruc got a hand to the striker’s shot, the ball found its way to the corner.

McGeady made no mistake from the spot in the 25th minute after debutant Zheng Zhi was brought down by Rangers defender Sasa Papac but the Bhoys rarely troubled the home defence again.

There were more yellow cards than clear cut chances in a chaotic second half and although Nacho Novo wasted a good chance late on, it didn’t matter for Rangers as the three points lifted them to just one point behind their Glasgow rivals at the top of the SPL.

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Rangers boss Walter Smith admits defeat of Old Firm rivals Celtic is the shot in the arm his side needed to get their title bid back on track.

And Smith admits a defeat – which would have opened up a seven-point gap at the summit – would have been a hammer blow so early in the season.

He said: “Even at this early stage of the season, it was important that the gap at the top didn't increase any more.

“We needed something to kick-start our season and maybe this is it. Pulling Celtic back to a point is pleasing, but it's no use if we don't carry this forward into our upcoming games.

“There was a lot of disruption to our team and sometimes we rode our luck when Celtic had territorial advantage because of their extra man in the middle of the park.

“But we still haven't lost a league game, in spite of all the emphasis that was put on our three goalless draws.”