WALTER SMITH admits Rangers are even more determined to enjoy a European run next season following their glamour friendly with AC Milan.

The Ibrox club arranged the mid-season fixture with the Rossoneri to go some way to making amends for their early exit from the Champions League at the start of the season.

A crowd of more than 45,000 packed into Ibrox to watch the likes of David Beckham, Kaka and Ronaldinho battle out a 2-2 draw with Gers on a freezing night in Glasgow.

And Smith believes his players' appetite has been whetted even further with regards to a return to the continental stage.

He said: "We have missed that more than anything else. I just think that it makes you a little bit hungry for more of that football and hopefully next season we can get back on track and have European football back at Ibrox.

"It was a good work-out for us. We enjoyed it in many ways. It was a good game for us.

"It was good to get back and play against one of the top teams.

"Even though they don't have Champions League football themselves this year, their level of player would more than warrant that."

DaMarcus Beasley opened the scoring before Pato restored parity for Milan. Kaka then came off the bench to hand the Italians the lead and Sasa Papac had the final say with a late leveller.

Smith added: "It was a friendly game, there was no doubt about that. There wasn't a great edge to the game.

"It was played at a decent pace but it took a little while for both teams to get going and get a goal.

"But it was a good night for everyone."