One defiant nod of his head was all it took to chase Kirk Broadfoot's critics into the night. For now. They will resurface soon enough, but the defender's opening goal against Iceland on Wednesday night was testament to his ability to absorb the brickbats and come back stronger. During a week in which he had been described by George Burley, the Scotland manager, as a player of "limited ability", Broadfoot proved that he had the qualities to step up to international level.

What he lacks in technical virtuosity, the 24-year-old makes up for in sheer cussedness. In the two games against FBK Kaunas, Broadfoot was one of the few players to emerge with any credit. In the face of adversity, he seems to flourish. Thankfully for him, his qualities are recognised around Ibrox. Minutes after his debut goal, the defender's phone was buzzing with text messages from team-mates who have grown to appreciate the combination of defiance and determination he brings to the cause.

"I just texted him to say, Well done big fella. That's one goal, one cap'," said Kyle Lafferty, speaking at a press conference to publicise the club's latest ticket offer, aimed at encouraging more younger supporters along to games.

"Everyone here is delighted for him. There was no surprise in the dressing room when he was called up. I think everyone knew that there would come a time when Scotland would have to pick him."

Lafferty, the Northern Ireland international who signed for the club in the summer for £3.5m, was surprised at Burley's comments regarding Broadfoot's abilities, but unsurprised by the player's reaction. The Scotland manager was seeking to highlight Broadfoot's determination in maximising his talent, but the comments sounded more like damning with the faintest of praise.

"I read in the paper that George Burley said he has limited ability," added Lafferty. "I don't know where he sees that. For the manager to have said that, I was even more delighted when Kirk scored because hopefully he will keep him in the team from now on. I know if I picked up a paper and read that the gaffer had said that, it would hurt me. For most players I think that would hurt. He's went out, he's played well, got his goal and helped his team get three points.

"The way he is in training is the way he is in games and that's why he's been playing so well this season. He did well in Europe last season. Coming up against some top strikers, he had them in his pocket. I'm delighted he was given a chance and to get a goal on his debut was brilliant. I'm really pleased for him after all the criticism he has been given. He's made a few people eat their words."

Lafferty believes that Broadfoot's impressive form is also partly due to a rigorous strength and conditioning routine.

"He's almost as big as me now," laughed Lafferty. "He's like a tank, but you have to be if you are coming up against international strikers. He's fought really hard and got his reward for that. Aiden McGeady is a great player and causes many right-backs problems, but Kirk just strolled through the recent Old Firm game which Rangers won 4-2 and kept him in his pocket the whole game. Knowing that he can do that against a top player would have sent his confidence sky high."

Lafferty has been stricken with a series of injuries since joining in the summer. The 21-year-old has featured only twice this season, in a 1-0 win over Falkirk on the first day of the season and a 2-0 win over Hearts, in which he scored. He will also miss the Kilmarnock game tomorrow but hopes to be fit after that, although he acknowledges that he will face a fight for his place. "When we are playing to our best I don't think there is any team that can stop us. Beating Celtic 4-2 was great but I think Kaunas is still in people's minds and we will have to bring trophies back to make the fans happy. I think we are going to have to win the SPL. There's nothing to stop us going out and winning every tournament we are in because we now have the players and we're playing good football." Rangers fans under 16 can buy tickets for Saturday's Rangers v Kilmarnock game for £7. Public sale tickets are also available.