Rangers striker Kenny Miller makes his case for Ibrox defence

The former Scotland striker helped the Light Blues book their place in the semi-finals of the competition at Ibrox on Tuesday evening.

The 35-year-old forward was a key player for Ally McCoist's side in their 1-0 triumph over St Johnstone.

Lewis Macleod once again stole the headlines by netting the winning goal against the SPFL Premiership outfit with a stunning glancing header four minutes from time.

Miller was impressed with his young team-mate's stylish effort that put Gers into the hat for the last-four draw, to be made on Saturday night.

But he was also delighted with the display of the back line against top-tier opponents who defeated Dundee United to win the Scottish Cup in May.

Richard Foster, Darren McGregor, Lee McCulloch and Lee Wallace have now played together in defence in the last four Rangers fixtures.

And during that time the League One champions have only conceded one goal, which came in the emphatic 6-1 win over Raith Rovers at Ibrox earlier this month, in which McCulloch scored the opener.

The new-look Light Blues back four also kept their third consecutive clean sheet in the cup tie against the Perth club.

So far this season much of the focus at Rangers has been on the forward positions with Kris Boyd, Nicky Clark, Jon Daly and Miller all vying for a starting spot.

The defence, though, will be every bit as important to their chances of success in both the league and the three cups they are still involved in.

Miller - currently enjoying his third spell at Ibrox - has been pleased with how the team, but especially the back line, has been performing.

He explained: "Everyone's confidence right now is at the highest level it has been all season. We are playing well, scoring goals and, importantly, keeping clean sheets.

"And that is great for the confidence of the back line.

"It is always important for a team not to lose goals - and that is three clean sheets in a row we've had now.

"It's important that we build on everything now. We need to keep going forward and keep creating chances and scoring goals. We also need to continue to stop the opposition scoring any goals."

MILLER conceded there has been a lot of chopping and changing among the selections for defensive places at Rangers this season.

He explained: "A lot of the personnel changes so far have been forced on us by injuries and suspensions.

"But any player would tell you the one place you don't want to change is the defence.

"It is important that players build up relationships with each other in that area and learn to trust each other.

"Right now the defence is looking very settled and that is giving us confidence that we can do well in the league and the other competitions we are still involved in."

There was much conjecture about who would fill the centre- back berths for Rangers when McGregor and Marius Zaliukas were both brought in on free transfers this summer.

Apart from McCulloch and McGregor, Bilel Mohsni, Seb Faure and Zaliukas have all featured in that area so far this season - with varying degrees of success. McGregor played out of position at right-back while Foster was injured at the start of the campaign but now he and McCulloch have struck up a fine understanding.

Miller agreed: "Daz and big Jig have been outstanding together in the centre of defence in the last few games.

"They have looked solid and are really gelling well. They seem to have formed a really good partnership.

"Daz played at right-back at the start of the season and did well there. But his preferred position is centre-half.

"I think he feels at his most comfortable playing there and I reckon that has been obvious from his great performances in recent games."

LAST weekend Miller set up Wallace for a goal in a 3-0 victory over Dumbarton that maintained the pressure on Hearts at the top of the SPFL Championship table.

And he believes the former Scotland left-back is a hugely influential member of this Gers side due to his influence in both defence and attack.

Miller said: "The full-backs, Fossy and Lee, have also been great. Lee was superb in our game at Dumbarton.

"Defensively, he is solid. But you should not underestimate the importance of what Lee gives us going forward."

Miller scored the only goal in the League Cup final win over St Mirren at Hampden in 2010 when Rangers were down to only nine men.

And he reckons his side can challenge for the trophy once again this season.

The veteran frontman said: "It is great for the club to be in the semi-final. The players and coaching staff are all looking forward to playing in a big match. It will be a great day out for the supporters as well.

"We have beaten top-flight teams in the last two rounds of the competition, namely Inverness Caledonian Thistle and St Johnstone. So we will be confident no matter who we get in the semis when the draw is made on Saturday."