RANGERS eased their way to the top of the premier division last night thanks to a goal from full-back Alex Cleland - and, afterwards, the former Dundee United player highlighted the fact that it was the first time he had scored at Ibrox since joining the club two and a half years ago.

Cleland said: ''I scored against Celtic, but I think that was the last time I scored for the club, but this is the first time I have managed to get a goal here at Ibrox.

''It's amazing, too, because I scored with my left foot. I think that's why the captain (Brian Laudrup) gave me the match ball after the match.

''I didn't realise when I scored that the goal put us at the top of the league. It was only afterwards that Archie Knox told me that.

''I thought that we played well considering we have so many new players, but I think that most of the lads settled in well.''

One of the not so new players who was involved last night was goalkeeper Andy Goram, and afterwards manager Walter Smith gave strong indications that the controversial Scotland man remains his No.1 choice.

He explained that his Finnish signing, Antti Niemi, had injured a finger in training yesterday morning, but he added: ''That did not affect this decision. Andy Goram was always going to play.

''It will be difficult to displace him after all he has done over the years, in so many games, for this club.

''Niemi is a young keeper and he will get the chance to gain experience. He will need that, because it is not easy to take over from Andy.''

Smith was happy with the team's performance and particularly happy with the goals from Marco Negri.

''It is always good for a striker to get goals early in his career with a new club,'' he said. ''It helps him with the support. And his second goal was certainly something special.''

Smith also revealed that the Italian defender, Lorenzo Amoruso, had come through his minor operation without problems and would be back in training within 10 days, and playing soon after that.

Hearts left Ibrox complaining about the first goal, which Negri had appeared to force over the line after a header from his fellow Italian Sergio Porrini struck the post.

Manager Jim Jefferies said: ''My players are adamant that the ball did not cross the line. After that, we lost our discipline and then we lost the second goal, and that was a mistake by our defence.

''In fact, the first goal was a mistake too. You cannot afford to make two mistakes against Rangers at Ibrox.

''I had looked up at the clock and seen 38 minutes gone and no scoring and thought we were going to be able to frustrate them. Then two minutes later, we have made these mistakes, we are two goals down, and the game has gone beyond us.

''However, I still saw some good things out there. We were able to frustrate Rangers for a fair spell in that first half.

''And, if we had gone in at half time 0-0, then who knows what might have happened. To be honest, the two goals just killed us, even though I didn't think Rangers played particularly well.''

Rangers' supporters may see things differently, but before last night's match they had not been rushing to buy tickets for the Coca-Cola cup-tie against Hamilton.

The indications were that the tie at Fir Park on Thursday will be well short of a sell-out. Tickets continue to be on sale at both clubs, but Hamilton secretary Scott Struthers confirmed last night: ''Around 8000 have been sold, and that is well short of the crowd limit of 13,000.

''It could be that, with Rangers supporters paying out for early European ties that money is tight.''

qSHOULD, as expected, Rangers sign Finnish wonderkid Jonatan Johansson this week, they will be snapping up the fastest goalgrabber in Europe, according to his present coach.

The 19-year-old winger will complete his #500,000 switch from Estonian club Flora Tallinn after an extended trial at Ibrox. Johansson's club Tallinn are coached by Estonian national boss Teitur Thordarson, who is in no doubt of Johansson's talent.

Thordarson signed the teenager from Finland and reckons he will leave Scottish defences trailing in his wake. ''I am absolutely certain that Jonatan will be a huge success in Scotland,'' he said.

''He is young and has wonderful talent, with qualities to cause any team problems. Jonatan is extremely fast with excellent technique and he is also capable of scoring goals.

''His speed can frighten defenders and that is a great weapon for him to use - but he is also exceptionally skilful and has an excellent goalscoring record.

''I tend to use him as a left winger, but he could easily play as a striker because he has an excellent nose for chances. Many clubs around Europe have shown an interest in Jonatan, but he seems much more keen to join Rangers.

''I know we will lose the player, but I look forward to seeing him become a real star in the future.''

qMatch report - Page 29