Rangers captain Barry Ferguson is on track for a return to action next month as his fitness levels improve.

"I know I'll be back fitter and stronger," the Scotland midfielder told BBC Sport as he recovers from the ankle surgery he underwent in July.

"That's me started running now so hopefully I'll be back playing for the reserves in three weeks - and in the first team in four or five weeks.

"I've missed a pre-season so I need to get a lot of running under my belt."

In Ferguson's absence, Rangers tumbled out of the Champions League at the first qualifying hurdle but have set the pace in the Premier League.

Midfielders Pedro Mendes, Steven Davis and Maurice Edu have been drafted in but manager Walter Smith has already made it clear that Ferguson will be among his first picks when fully recovered.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Are Rangers fans excited at the prospect of Ferguson's return?

"Apart from the European exit, the guys have done a fantastic job and shown great character in coming back from such a bad defeat in Kaunas.

"In the last month, the guys have been playing absolutely great.

"The new players have come in and settled really quickly which has been a big bonus for us."

"We've got a big squad now and it's great competition. I'm just looking forward to trying to get back into the team.

"Being out for such a long spell is tough because you're used to training every day and playing every weekend but I can see light at the end of tunnel now."