Rangers captain Lee McCulloch has heaped praise on manager Ally McCoist after the club secured promotion to the Scottish Championship with a 3-0 win over Airdrieonians.

The former Wigan Athletic man scored all three goals at Ibrox Stadium to clinch the Scottish League One title with eight games to go.

"We wanted to give the management something back for the faith they've showed in us," the 35-year-old told the club's website. "Criticism of the manager in particular has been a wee bit over the top in my opinion but he knows it comes with the territory.

"Being the manager of Rangers, it's going to come in dribs and drabs but it has been too much of late. He is still a relatively new manager and he has had to deal with things in the game some men who have been managing for 20 or 25 years haven't come across.

"His journey in management has been slightly tougher than other managers and it's brilliant to give him something to shout about tonight. It's great to repay the fans who have turned out and supported us all season too. They have been fantastic in their support."

The result seals back-to-back promotions for Rangers, who were playing in the fourth tier of Scottish football last season.