Allan saved his best for Bairns

Aug 10 2008 By Mark Guidi

WALTER SMITH last night thanked Allan McGregor for saving Rangers from another disastrous result at Falkirk.

Stand-in skipper McGregor saved a Michael Higdon penalty to set the stage for a 1-0 victory.

Andrius Velicka then hit the winner to give Gers a timely pick-me-up after their midweek Champions League defeat to Kaunas.

Smith said: "Credit to Allan for an important save.

"With the week we've had I thought the result might have gone against us.

"But Andrius scored and I'm pleased for him. If we had played like this againstKaunas we might not have gone out."

Smith is still hurting from the Euro humiliation - one of his worst moments in 17 years as a manager.

He said: "It is a blow in terms of pride. That has been a bigger blow to me than the hit in the pocket.

"I've had bad times during my managerial career but this is the first time I've had it like this for quite a while.

"This win can't make up for the Kaunas disappointment."