Rangers managed to lift the gloom surrounding Ibrox as an experimental team bagged a place in the Co-operative Insurance Cup semi-finals with a 3-1 victory over Dundee.

The SPL leaders were made to work hard by their Division One counterparts and saw Steven Whittaker’s early strike cancelled out by Leigh Griffiths’ freekick.

Yet a Gary McKenzie own goal and John Fleck’s late effort ensured the Gers had something to smile about ahead of their trip back to Dundee this weekend to take on United.

Also in the hat for the semi-finals in February are St Johnstone who had former Tangerines defender Steve Anderson to thank for heading the opener in their 2-1 victory over Dundee United.

Daren Dods then score on own goal with 15 minutes remaining only for Prince Buaben to set up a grandstand finish.

Michael Higdon set St Mirren on their way to a 3-0 victory over Motherwell with Jack Ross and a Stephen Craigan own-goal as they scored three goals for the third successive match.