Despite turning in a good performance in an occasionally niggly game, Walter Smith's side succumbed to a 72nd minute goal from substitute Burns.

It was a disappointing result for the Light Blues who had already beaten Blackburn and drawn with Sydney and left the Greek side as Festival winners.

However, the Rangers boss will be more concerned with the fitness of striker Kyle Lafferty, who limped off in the first half with what appeared to be a groin injury, the same complaint which caused defender Andy Webster to miss the match.

Smith made two changes for the final game of their trip to Australia, bringing in number one keeper Allan McGregor for Neil Alexander while Madjid Bougherra replaced Webster.

On a heavy pitch, it was the Greek side who came close in the 11th minute when Nikos Lyberopoulos curled a free-kick just past the post from 25 yards, before he tested McGregor with a shot from distance.

In the 27th minute John Fleck replaced Lafferty who headed straight up the tunnel appearing hold his groin.

Moments later Rangers defender Steven Whittaker crossed for striker Kenny Miller who was inches away from connecting six yards out.

Then Lee McCulloch took a pass from Maurice Edu and had a go from distance only to see AEK keeper Sebastian Saja make a good save, repeating it seconds later from a McCulloch header.

Rangers grew stronger and in the 42nd minute Bougherra headed just wide with the goal gaping and a minute later, following some intense pressure, the Algerian international blasted over from close range when he should have opened the scoring.

Just on the half-time whistle Whittaker was taken down in the box by Nikolaos Karabelas but strong penalty claims were ignored by referee Matthew Breeze.

The Ibrox side started the second half strongly and Miller steered a header wide of the target from a Steven Naismith cross.

But Rangers were made to pay for their missed chances when Karabelas crossed from the left for Burns to put the Greeks ahead.

The Scottish champions responded positively and Andy Little, on for Miller, made keeper Saja punch clear and with his first touch.

But in the 77th minute AEK should have doubled their lead when Kirk Broadfoot's hurried pass was intercepted but McGregor spread himself to deny Rafik Djebbour.