WHEN good players operate to maximum standards - and can even find a compelling, added edge - then even mediocre leagues such as Scotland's SPL can deliver European results beyond expectation. Such was the case at Ibrox.

Probably, the progress was not unexpected, given that Rangers had managed to score in Israel, albeit losing that first leg by 2-1.

But there were no guarantees, especially as the collection sent out by manager Walter Smith had performed so abysmally in domestic competition this season.

But they contrived to produce a performance which was a country-mile distant from their mundane displays here and can now look forward with a touch of optimism to their next tie, against the Spaniards Osasuna.

It was, of course, evident Smith required his more accomplished players to provide a genuine shift and this they accomplished.

The captain, Barry Ferguson, was immense, the young winger Chris Burke explosive for lengthy periods, and the hugely experienced defender David Weir solid and decisive.

Add on excellent contributions from Alan Hutton, Nacho Novo, Kevin Thomson and Ian Murray and the package provided the basis for what will surely figure within Rangers' better results in some 50 years of European competition.

Hapoel cannot be regarded as any formidable benchmark, yet they had to be negotiated and this Rangers achieved in some style.

Although the result appeared straightforward and conclusive, Rangers did have to combat many nervous moments, not least the goalkeeper Allan McGregor's red card 15 minutes from the end, moments after Ferguson had scored his own second goal and apparently, made the tie safe by providing the 3-0 lead.

Smith, like the majority of the crowd, was uncertain over the detail of the red card, but he was fully aware of the implications because Hapoel might well have worked themselves back into the contest against a depleted team.

And so, it was a time and an opportunity for energy and commitment and Rangers obliged. Indeed, though there were moments of friction and of worry in the closing minutes, they managed to seal their win with Charlie Adam's strike five minutes into time added on.

The earlier strikes by Ferguson and Kris Boyd were also impressive, in as much as they were clinically taken. This ability to take advantage of chances created is vital in European competition and Rangers proved they are capable.

Whether or not they can continue such a ratio of goals to opportunities is debatable, but their confidence will have been done no harm by last night's predatory instincts.

Over a couple of spells, Ferguson has been around the club for many years, beginning as an apprentice under Smith, in his first spell in charge, in the mid-1990s.

An unfulfilled period at Blackburn saw him return, but without any great conviction. His time earlier in the season under Paul Le Guen was little short of disastrous and had the Frenchman remained Ferguson would surely have departed.

Instead, Smith's return has re-energised the captain and last night's was probably one of the most telling performances of his career.

He accepted responsibility from the beginning, playing in a more advanced role than he is accustomed to and taking full advantage by scoring the opening goal after 25 minutes.

Boyd's strike, 10 minutes later, was further testimony to his coolness in front of a goalkeeper, even though he did control a silly pass by Abuksis with his arm before scoring.

Again, Boyd's contribution was fleeting, although his goal confirmed his status as a clinical finisher. Clearly, his cage has been rattled by criticism over his general contribution to the team, but if he continues to provide telling goals, his manager will not be overly concerned about general shortcomings.

Alongside Ferguson's mastery of midfield, Burke's input was the most telling factor of a satisfying night for Rangers. The young winger has developed a strong upper body, which allows him to take on muscular and cynical defenders.

Along the way, he has not lost the pace or the close dribbling skills that set him apart from ordinary footballers in this country and even beyond.

He might well have concluded an excellent performance with a late goal but, no matter, because Ferguson had struck a third and Adam a fourth, allowing Rangers a passage that was not, by any means, as comfortable as the score suggested.

But they did play well. They were clever in defence, creative in the midfield and clinical inside the penalty area.

Basically, you can't ask for much more in a team context, so although Osasuna will present a different and probably more difficult challenge, Rangers should go into next month's tie hefting a genuine confidence.