Old Firm returns as Rangers seal promotion to top flight

Rangers' Dean Shiels in action against Dumbarton's Gregor Buchananan. Photo: Russell Cheyne/Reuters

James Tavernier celebrates after scoring the goal for Rangers. Photo: Russell Cheyne/Reuters

Rangers manager Mark Warburton celebrates after the Ladbrokes Scottish Championship match at Ibrox. Photo: Andrew Milligan/PA

thumbnail: Rangers' Dean Shiels in action against Dumbarton's Gregor Buchananan. Photo: Russell Cheyne/Reuters
thumbnail: James Tavernier celebrates after scoring the goal for Rangers. Photo: Russell Cheyne/Reuters
thumbnail: Rangers manager Mark Warburton celebrates after the Ladbrokes Scottish Championship match at Ibrox. Photo: Andrew Milligan/PA

Rangers will be playing top flight football next season after clinching the Ladbrokes Championship with a narrow 1-0 home win over Dumbarton.

After re-emerging at the bottom tier of Scottish football in 2012 in the wake of their financial meltdown, the Govan club's trek to the Premiership ended with a second half goal from right-back James Tavernier in front of a packed but often subdued Ibrox.

The Gers fans, who have stuck by the club in huge numbers throughout the lower league campaigns deserved to cheer long and loud into the Govan night although it was less than thrilling fare they were served up.

Last season's failure to get out of the second tier was embarrassing for a club whose wage bill has dwarfed every team they have played in the three lower leagues but boss Mark Warburton ensured the remit he was given when he arrived last summer was achieved.

Rangers face traditional rivals Celtic in the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park on Sunday week.