Kenny Miller is hopeful that his winning goal in Sunday's 1-0 Co-operative Insurance Cup final win for Rangers over St Mirren will help him win over his remaining doubters. The striker, who is in his second spell at Ibrox and spent a season with Celtic in between, has struggled to endear himself to some sections of the support since he was signed from Derby County two years ago.
Miller's header seven minutes from time was decisive in determining the outcome of Sunday's final and handed him his first Co-operative Insurance Cup medal, completing his collection of winners' medals for the three major domestic trophies in Scotland.
Since returning to the club he lasted just 18 months with in 2000 after a £2 million move from Hibs, Miller silenced some of his critics with both goals in a 2-1 Old Firm derby win earlier in the season.
His name rung out around Hampden after his goalscoring success on Sunday and the 30-year-old said he hoped he had turned a corner in the minds of the Rangers faithful.
"That was probably one of the first times since I've been back," Miller commented of hearing his name being sung by the Rangers support. "I got a bit of goosebumps when I heard that, to be honest.
"It does confirm that I am maybe getting accepted a little bit. I was over the moon."
Rangers are hunting a domestic treble this campaign but looked as though they were going to throw away the chance to pick up the first piece of the jigsaw after coming under heavy pressure from a determined St Mirren side for large spells.
Red cards for Kevin Thomson and Danny Wilson also hampered their efforts until Miller capitalised on a quick counter attack by Steven Naismith to steal victory from the Paisley side.
Dundee United lie in wait next in a Scottish Cup quarter final replay at Tannadice on Wednesday night and Miller knows the pressure is on his team in their pursuit for a clean sweep.
"It was always going to be a big week. We've got two cup games in four days. If they go against you, you are left with the league and that's it.
"Obviously we were tested to the limits [against St Mirren] but it's good to get that first one under our belt. Now we have to go again on Wednesday night in what will be an equally tough game."
