Rangers net away goal but suffer last-minute defeat

RANGERS went down to a 2-1 defeat in Slovenia last night, conceding a last-minute goal to give Maribor the advantage at the halfway stage of their Europa League play-off tie.

Rangers manager Ally McCoist had to defend his decision to replace Steven Naismith with Kyle Lafferty at half-time, admitting he withdrew Naismith from the match because he feared he would pick up a red card. Lafferty made his first appearance of the season after a hernia operation.

Steven Whittaker and Madjid Bougherra both saw red in the Champions League qualifying exit to Malmo and McCoist says he was keen to avoid a repeat. He said: "It was to keep him on the park. I thought there was a distinct chance that Naismith could have been sent off.

"We did have one or two options but Lafferty has looked good in training and was keen to get back playing.

• In pictures: NK Maribor 2 - 1 Rangers

• Match report: Last-gasp winner denies visitors share of spoils

"Towards the end of last season he was one of the key players. It's still early for him and he will come good." Despite the defeat - thanks to that injury-time winner for the home side - McCoist is confident of booking a place in the group stages.

He said: "I would like to congratulate Maribor on their win tonight, although we were very disappointed.

"We felt we were comfortable at half-time. It was an open game and, hopefully, the second leg will be open too and we can take our chances.

"We created a good number of goalscoring opportunities in the first half. I'm very disappointed but hopeful we've got enough to win the tie and go through at home." Juan Manuel Ortiz fired