Rangers boss Walter Smith felt his ninth Scottish Premier League title was the hardest to win. Kyle Lafferty's 17th minute goal ensured Rangers retained the league silverware thanks to a 1-0 win at Hibernian on Sunday.

For Smith, who has been working without a contract and has been unable to sign players due to the club's financial problems, it marks a significant achievement.

He told Sky Sports 3: "It seems to have been one of the hardest. But then again maybe I feel like this after every one of them.

"I am just delighted we have managed to get two in a row."

Smith has been pleased with his squad's commitment and character after a campaign filled with controversy.

He said: "We have asked an awful lot over the season, but they have been fantastic and they thoroughly deserve this.

"There is a great deal of character. You see today there was a bit of tiredness, players like Steven Davis who have given us everything over the season just to get us where we were before today's game.

"We weren't at our best today, but we got there in the end. It has been something that you can always say about the team, their determination has been fantastic."

Speculation has suggested that Smith will leave Rangers in the summer and he did not want to comment on the subject.

Asked if he still has the appetite to attempt a third title win since his return to Ibrox, he said: "It always gives you an appetite. That's what you're in it for to win games."