By Emma Dodds

PAUL Le Guen believes his players were rewarded today for their recent hard work by tasting SPL victory for the first time under his charge.

Since taking charge at the start of pre-season the Frenchman has trained his top team squad extremely hard and this afternoon he insists it was all made worthwhile.

Libor Sionko opened the scoring in the eighth minute, but Phil O'Donnell equalised early in the second period before Dado Prso bagged the winner after 65 minutes.

Despite losing a goal, it was a very strong display from Le Guen's side and he was delighted to kick off his tenure with a victory.

He said: "I was happy with the win and with the way the players performed. It was a very good game and we created many chances.

"I am glad the league has now started and that the friendlies are out of the way.

"We have trained hard but now we are underway with our first victory.

"At last we have been rewarded for all our hard work over the past six weeks."

Le Guen was particularly pleased with the new players, who adapted well to life in the SPL against a determined Motherwell side.

The 2-1 scoreline does not give a clear indication of Rangers' dominance over the 90 minutes and the manager admits things could have been more comfortable with better finishing in front of goal.

Le Guen added: "I was happy with the players and at half time I told them to continue to play the way they had been and we would be rewarded.

"We had so many chances and although we didn't take them all, we won and that was the most important thing.

"It was great for Libor to score a goal but I was happy with everyone today.

"All the new players coped well and I think they will prove to be great for us.

"We knew that Celtic and Hearts had won yesterday and it was important for us to get three points also.

"We did that and played well."