RANGERS avoided sparking an early title party for Celtic when they fought back from behind to secure a 2-1 win over Hearts. Defeat at Ibrox would have seen Celtic crowned champions before even kicking a ball. They now need a win at Kilmarnock today to confirm their status as SPL winners. Rangers fell behind to Andrius Velicka's first-half opener but goals from Gavin Rae and Barry Ferguson after the break ensured the champagne remained on ice.

With a Champions League spot for next season still up for grabs, Rangers were determined to keep their run of not losing a game since Walter Smith's January return going but it was Hearts who took the lead after 16 minutes when Laryea Kingston embarked on a 50-yard run before feeding the ball to Velicka, who swept home from just inside the box. Rangers enjoyed the best possible start to the second half when they hauled themselves back onto level terms six minutes after the restart. Hutton skipped past the immobile Wallace on the right flank before floating the ball onto the head of Rae, who did well to nod past Gordon from six-yards.

While Hearts seemed happy to settle for the draw, Rangers pushed forward in search of the winner and were rewarded for their hard work with 78 minutes gone.

Prso's cross from the by-line was met by the head of Brahim Hemdani, who nodded into the path of Ferguson 12 yards out. The finish from the skipper was sublime, leaving Gordon with no chance.