"I thought we were the better team," he said. "There were times they couldn't get near us and we passed them off the park. Before the penalty we were really on top and if I had converted it I'm sure they wouldn't have done what Rangers normally do, which is sneak 1-0s ugly."

The victory had an understandably prettier look to it for Ibrox manager Walter Smith. The first step in the post-Kaunas rehabilitation for his club, although far from convincing Smith maintained it was precisely the sort of display required in their Champions League tie.

"If we had played anything like we did today against Kaunas we might not have been put out," he said. "There was a bit more activity about us than against Kaunas. It doesn't make up for during the week but I hope that is with us for a while."

Smith admitted that the penalty "could have gone against us" but he was simply content his team "managed to win". "That is what you want at the start of any season and I hope it gives everyone a lift in confidence."

Smith praised the performance of new centre-back Madjid Bougherra, signed from Charlton for £2.5m a fortnight ago. The Algerian was pressed into action with Carlos Cuellar still sidelined with a calf injury and David Weir suspended.

"I thought he handled it well," said Smith, who confirmed Cuellar will return next weekend. "It is one of the changes forced on us. Last season, Cuellar and Weir provided a firm foundation so it hasn't been easy changing that, but Bougherra and Kirk Broadfoot did well."

It was a case of same old for Falkirk manager John Hughes, meanwhile. "Once again we'll take all the plaudits, pats on the back but nothing from the match." Higdon's soft spot-kick saw to that. "My only disappointment is that he didn't put his laces right through it."