Lafferty opened the scoring on 58 minutes and a Nikica Jelavic penalty 11 minutes later gave the Gers their seventh win from seven on their travels.

Richard Foster netted a consolation for the Dons courtesy of an error by Allan McGregor before Rory Fallon saw red for elbowing Dorin Goian in the closing moments.

The win for Rangers was marred by a potentially serious injury to Naismith, who was carried off on a stretcher in the first half.

"We don't know how bad it is, but if it comes to the worst and he's out for a while the celebration was for him," Lafferty said of his team-mate.

As for the game itself, Lafferty added on ESPN: "It was good, especially walking away from a tough place with three points. The lads dug deep, it was a battle and we came out winners.

"Once we got the first goal it settled our nerves and the penalty was good to go 2-0 up."

Rangers manager Ally McCoist admitted the gloss had been taken off the win by Naismith's injury.

"It's been a good day apart from that," McCoist told ESPN.

"I'm really really disappointed for the lad himself because he's such an important part of our squad and he's a great boy.

"He fears it's similar to what he's had before (a knee injury).

"We don't know yet and will wait for the scans but it has certainly taken the shine off a great result."

Speaking about Lafferty's contribution, McCoist added: "We had a wee pop at him at half-time because we felt his ball retention could be better but he took his goal really well.

"He's still learning but we're delighted with him, his second-half performance was terrific."