The Light Blues were somewhat unfortunate to lose as Jean-Claude Darcheville and Kirk Broadfoot made their debuts for the Ibrox side.

Veteran defender David Weir's own goal early in the second half was enough to give the home side a narrow victory in a closely-fought match.

Smith, however, said: "We were very pleased to get this game. We have a Champions League game in two weeks' time and so we are trying to reach a competitive level of fitness.

"We have been in Germany for six days and played three games and this was the best for us by far, despite the result.

"We've now reached the levels of fitness desired so that the focus over the next week will be on the games rather than on the players' fitness.

"We are disappointed to lose to a deflected goal but that wasn't the main objective of the match."

Weir was deployed alongside Carlos Cuellar while Barry Ferguson, Brahim Hemdani and Kevin Thomson formed the midfield.

Chances were few and far between at the AWD Arena.

A Sasa Papac cross went unconverted while at the other end Arnold Bruggink wasted a free-kick.

Darcheville was introduced a the break in place of Kris Boyd and enjoyed a lively start, only for Weir to concede with an own goal.

The former Everton stopper headed Jiri Stanjner's left-wing cross clear only for Sergio Pinto's shot to cannon off his chest and past Allan McGregor.

Lee McCulloch was set up well by Darcheville and saw his shot saved by Robert Enke while Hannover nearly made it 2-0 when Hanno Balitsch's header went narrowly wide.

Rangers face Falkirk on Saturday in their next friendly.