RANGERS fans are celebrating promotion after captain Lee McCulloch carried the side into the Championship with a first half hat-trick.

The convincing home-win against Airdrie saw the team clinch the League One title.

Supporters were ­"absolutely delighted" with the Ibrox side's comprehensive victory, giving them the domestic season's first league title in record-breaking time.

But they will have to wait to get their hands on the silverware.

Drew Roberton, secretary of the Rangers Supporters Association, said it was a night to forget the club's troubles and celebrate.

He said: "We are absolutely delighted that Rangers have managed to win Scottish League One and we are looking forward to the Championship now."

Last night's joy helped soothe friction among fans who were left frustrated following Sunday's 1-1 draw with Albion Rovers in the Scottish Cup.

Mr Roberton said: "Football fans are fickle.

"On Sunday, most of them were thinking, 'it's Albion Rovers, it will be fine,' and they were hurt when we didn't beat them.

"At the end of the day, Rangers are still in the cup and are still in with a chance of winning.

"It's time to forget our troubles and keep moving forward."

Last night's win makes the Ibrox side Scottish football's first champions of season 2013/14 and let the team secure a second consecutive league title.

Rangers will join the SPFL Championship next season, which will be the biggest challenge yet in their campaign to climb back up the tables to the Premiership.