The occasion was not befitting a landmark achievement but Kris Boyd will settle for celebrating his 50th Rangers' goal while in possession of the captain's armband.

Rangers trotted to a perfunctory 4-0 win against East Fife to ensure their place in today's draw for the quarter-final of the CIS Insurance Cup. Boyd scored twice, with goal No.51 converted from the penalty spot, and while the striker may have been miffed by his inclusion in what was a work-out for the second stringers, his predatory instinct remains an asset vital to Rangers' prospects this season.

Nacho Novo and Carlos Cuellar contributed to the scoreline against Dave Baikie's credibly robust side, but Boyd took centre stage. While he may lack poise around the periphery of the penalty area, he is undeniably lethal with the goal in sight.

Boyd has crossed the half-ton threshold in a remarkable 58 starts, drawing praise from Walter Smith, his manager. "To score 50 goals in a team that's maybe not shown superiority of late is a terrific testament," he said. "He sees himself as a natural scorer and while we would not want to take that away, he's also worked hard on other aspects like his fitness and all without prompting."

Smith, as expected, did not stint with his surgery, making nine changes to the team that defeated Aberdeen on Sunday. Cueller and Steven Whittaker were the only survivors in an experienced side.

Indeed, Thomas Buffel's return was only as a second-half substitute. A cold evening in Fife against a battle-hardened bunch are conditions not conducive to the Belgian's craft but he did earn a penalty.

Alan Gow made a belated but eager debut, his progress hampered by personal tragedy and the same competition from which even Boyd has suffered. A dedicated athlete, the former Falkirk forward appeared in good nick on the left flank considering his prolonged inactivity but he encountered a diligent Greig McDonald.

Chris Burke returned from the bowels of Murray Park to take his place on the opposite wing, where he faced a one-time Rangers prodigy, Kevin Fotheringham. Contrary to reports, East Fife had not been promised a trip to Barbados by chairman Willie Gray in the event of a giant-killing but a trip to the Hotel Barbados in Magaluf. Either way, the passports will remain in the drawer.

Even as the sun shone on East End Park, an icy chill ensured the winter thermals were dusted down for a first airing of the season.

Mercifully, the Methil Pipe Band were on hand to warm the cockles. Resplendent in full highland regalia, a troupe spanning three generations at least performed a rousing rendition of Scotland the Brave.

But football was the focus last night and history weighed heavily on Rangers. The Italian suntan had yet to fade before Graeme Souness experienced his first mini-trauma at Ibrox, requiring penalties to overcome East Fife 21 years ago.

Ring-rust was apparent almost from the first bell. Roy Carroll almost sprayed his first pass straight to East Fife's lone striker, Paul McManus. Seconds later, Ugo Ehiogu, a man who has attended more hospitals than Gordon Brown on the popularity trail, made a shaky attempt at a back pass.

Others were more decisive in their efforts to impress. Novo is the ultimate players' player.

The petit Spaniard bounced off East Fife's defensive pillars like a pinball but to their chagrin he always returned for more. His reward was Rangers' release valve after the minnows' early resilience. Novo accepted a Kirk Broadfoot throw and from 25 yards out and flush, arrowed his strike like a dart to double-top. The East Fife goalkeeper, Wullie McCulloch (Wullies-with-a-U are the sole preserve of the lower leagues), merely gawped in awe of the strike.

The goal did not signal the capitulation of the wee team. On the contrary, Ryan Blackadder, a midfielder of some substance, cannoned a gem of his own off Carroll's crossbar. Steven Tweed, who shares Nelson Mandela's age and gait, quelled Boyd for swathes of the match, while Lloyd Young impressed with his impishness.

Rangers doubled the lead in messy circumstances. Broadfoot's sclaffed shot from a short corner banged off a loitering Novo and ended with Boyd tidying-up from inside a six yard box strewn with stricken defenders. Cuellar headed in a Charlie Adam corner, while Boyd rounded off the scoring from the spot after Buffel was felled inside the penalty box.

East Fife (4-5-1) McCulloch; McDonald, Smart, Tweed, Fotheringham; Gordon (O'Reilly 63), Blackadder (Walker 63), Stewart, Cameron, Young; McManus (Nicholas 81). Subs: Martin, Fox.

Booked Young

Rangers (4-4-2) Carroll; Whittaker, Ehiogu, Cuellar, Broadfoot; Burke, Faye, Adam (Emslie 81), Gow; Boyd (Cousin 73), Novo (Buffel 60). Subs: Papac, Smith. Booked Adam Referee W Collum