Centre-back Carlos Cuellar bagged his first goal for Rangers following his switch from Osasuna this summer, before John Heitinga pulled a goal back to earn a 1-1 draw for the Dutch giants.

Ibrox will also be the scene of Rangers' European opener when they play host to Montenegrin outfit Zeta in the first leg of their second-round qualifer next Tuesday, after Zeta overcame FBK Kaunas in a close-fought tie this evening to set up a meeting with the Glasgow club.

Smith hopes the run-out against Ajax - Gers also face Chelsea in a friendly on Saturday - will help prepare his players for their first test of the new season.

He said: "We had to work extremely hard and I felt the game will benefit us in terms of overall match fitness and for what we have to prepare for in a week's time.

"Tonight was a test in having to work hard against a team who are very accomplished in terms of possession of the ball."

Rangers number two Ally McCoist had been despatched to watch Kaunas and Zeta in action and had backed the Lithuanians to emerge triumphant despite trailing 3-1 from the first leg.

However, Zeta proved to be the surprise victors with a 3-2 win tonight - 5-4 on aggregate - and Smith reckons Rangers need no further proof that their opponents should not be underestimated.

Smith added: "Our own lads were maybe a little bit surprised but Zeta have shown they can handle a difficult situation by going away to Kaunas and scoring two goals.

"It was an extremely tight game and, hopefully when it comes to our turn, it won't be quite as tight as that.

"The boys thought it would be close but they thought because of Kaunas' physical presence and it being a home tie, they might have had the edge but obviously Zeta have managed to go through so all credit to them."

Meanwhile, Smith defended Jean-Claude Darcheville after he became embroiled in yet another altercation this evening, earning himself a yellow card for scrapping with Ajax's George Agararu.

The French striker, who arrived from Bordeaux this summer, was also involved in tussles in other pre-season matches against Falkirk and Hannover but Smith insists he has no problems with the player's conduct.

"Do you want me to buy somebody who doesn't bother?" he said.

"If the lad bothers enough, I'm happy.

"He has done alright for us. He's struggling a little bit with an injury but he wants to continue and I've been happy with the way he has played.

"I've got no concerns with anything else. He's an experienced player."