Ferguson scored his first goal of an injury-delayed season 10 minutes from time to help the Gers open up a three-point lead over Celtic, who host St Mirren in a 3pm kick-off.

"I thought we got a perfect performance from Barry today," Smith told Setanta Sport 1.

"That is the best that we have seen from him for a while. The goal was a bonus, but I thought he played ever so well and settled us down in midfield."

Ferguson was relieved to have ended his goal drought and believes he is starting to get back to his best form.

"It's been a long time waiting (for a goal) and in that time I've been frustrated by injury," he said.

"I've been trying to work my way back and find a bit of form. In the last few games I think I've started to hit the standard I should be at.

"I've been working hard in training and I'm seeing the results of that I think."

Ferguson insisted his side would not be getting carried away with their current position, which seemed unlikely when they trailed Celtic by seven points at Christmas.

"It's a great result for us today because Hamilton is a tough place to come," he said.

"Of course, going top gives us a boost, but I've always maintained there is a long way to go.

"We are not getting carried away and the gaffer has said we just need to concentrate on each game.

"It doesn't matter how we play from now until the end of the season, as long as we pick up points."

Hamilton boss Billy Reid admitted his side could have no complaints with the result as they became the eighth team to be shot out by Rangers stingy defence in their past 10 games.

"In terms of effort and endeavour I can't fault my players," he said.

"But I think over 90 minutes we can't have many complaints.

"We never had a cutting edge. We forced the issue at times but we never had that wee bit of magic.

"Rangers have the best defence in the league, they are big and strong at the back. We had a few chances but not much."