KENNY MILLER today insisted under-fire Rangers captain Lee McCulloch can silence his critics - just like he did when he returned for his second spell at Ibrox.

Miller was shocked when McCulloch was booed by a small section of the Gers support during the SPFL Championship home game with Falkirk last Saturday.

But he has no fears the former Scotland internationalist will be affected by the incident against champions Hearts at Tynecastle tomorrow or in the Premiership Play-Off games.

For the striker went through exactly the same experience himself when he signed for his boyhood heroes back in 2008 - after spending a season at Celtic.

He was also targeted for abuse by his own fans in the opening games of the 2008/09 campaign - but quickly won them over with his on-field displays.

Miller, the only player in the modern era to cross the Old Firm divide twice, netted a double in a 4-2 win over the Hoops at Parkhead.

And he scored 13 goals in all competitions that term to help Walter Smith's side land the Scottish title for the first time in four years.

The forward is confident McCulloch will shrug off the incident and spearhead the Glasgow club's push for a place in the top flight in the coming weeks.

Asked about the flak the centre half was subjected to by Light Blues fans in the 2-2 draw with the Bairns, he said: "It is a position I have been in myself.

"Listen, guys like myself, Boydy and Jig are experienced enough and have been at the club long enough to know the frustrations that can come over the fans.

"It can happen at any football club, not just Rangers. Obviously the fans were just letting their feelings known.

"I don't think it was specific to Lee. There was a real frustration at the situation we were in. We were getting beaten 2-0 at home in an important match.

"Lee being one of the elder statesmen in the team and the skipper probably took the brunt of it. But I think you saw after that the fans got right behind him as well.

"I would say it was just their frustrations getting the better of them. By the way, we fully understand how frustrated and disappointed they are at the way things have gone this season because we feel it too."

Miller added: "I can only speak for myself, but it has been a really frustrating season for me as well as the team. The thing is, we have still got the chance to put it right.

"Over the next four weeks hopefully we can produce some performances and get the results we require that help us get back to where we belong. I am sure Lee will be a big part of that."