RANGERS boss John Gregory was a picture of delight after Dexter Blackstock's 14th and most vital goal of the season secured the club's Championship survival.

Gregory said: "We've been on the back foot since the first match of the season last August, and the players have shown unbelievable amounts of courage, determination, effort and enthusiasm. "More than anything, the spirit in the dressing room has got us out of trouble.

"The players were under pressure even before I came in, and it's been 44 matches where they've constantly had to try to get out of the relegation zone."

For Cardiff the game ended on a sour note, top-scorer Michael Chopra seeing red after the final whistle for an angry reaction towards Lee Camp as the Rangers goalkeeper offered to shake hands.

Chopra will now miss the remainder of Cardiff's season, but on a day when Blackstock's winner saw the Bluebirds' faint play-off hopes finally laid to rest, his dismissal was little more than a footnote. Cardiff boss Dave Jones said: "This form has been going on since January, and our club deserves better. It was a battle, but you want to see more fight and urgency.

"The red card was absolutely crazy, he should have just walked off the pitch. You do battle and you shake hands. Chops needs to grow up a little bit."

The game began promisingly for Cardiff, Chopra's opening-minute free-kick beating Camp's outstretched glove only to drift narrowly wide.

But Rangers quickly put that scare behind them, Steve Lomas missing a gilt-edged opportunity from close range as Gregory's side stamped their authority on proceedings.

With 23 minutes gone Rangers' hightempo start was rewarded, Lee Cook, returning from a knee injury, crossing from the right wing for Blackstock to angle a glancing header home.

Gregory said: "It was a great goal, and he's now scored 14 in a difficult season." Cardiff improved after the interval but couldn't find a goal and as the final whistle sounded the death knell on their play-off hopes, Loftus Road erupted in ecstasy.