A Martin Waghorn goal midway through the second-half salvaged a point for Scottish giants Rangers as they drew 1-1 with Hamilton on their return to the Scottish Premiership at Ibrox.

Rangers, who gained promotion at the end of last season after a four-year hiatus following a financial meltdown, found themselves behind in the 30th minute when Alister Crawford sent a superb strike past Wes Foderingham.

Substitute Harry Forrester set up Waghorn to fire home the equaliser in the 62nd minute before the goalscorer was forced to limp off in the 85th minute leaving Rangers, who had used all their substitutes, to play the final minutes with 10 men.

It was not the signal of intent Mark Warburton's side would have wanted to send to Old Firm rivals Celtic, who open their title defence away to Hearts on Sunday.

Rangers thought they had announced their return with a goal within the first minute when Waghorn drove along the byline before cutting back for 36-year-old veteran Kenny Miller to tap in but the ball had gone out of play in the build-up.

A minute later former Croatian international Niko Kranjcar picked out Andy Halliday at the edge of the box with a high ball over the top and Hamilton goalkeeper Remi Matthews did well to push away his fierce strike.

Hamilton soaked up all the pressure before Crawford handed them a surprise lead.

The forward collected a pass on the right of the box before turning Kranjcar and curling a shot into the top corner.

Rangers were stunned but came close to responding as Waghorn's free-kick from the edge of the box clipped the outside of the far post.

It took a double substitution in the 61st minute to provide the inspiration for Rangers' equaliser.

Forrester had been on the pitch for only a matter of seconds before he floated a pass with the inside of his right foot to Waghorn who slotted the ball under Matthews to the relief of the home support.

Forrester had the fans on their feet moments later when he burst into the box from the right and drilled an arrowed shot just wide of the far post.

However, despite their late pressure the hosts were unable to mark their return with a win.