Smith says Ferguson deserves to retake his place in the side

Rangers manager Walter Smith says Barry Ferguson will walk back into his starting XI once he is fully fit.

The Rangers and Scotland captain has not played yet this season as he recovers from ankle surgery.

"Barry's the captain of the team and when he comes back he'll play. It's as simple as that," said Smith.

"We owe him that much after his performances last season, but when he gets there it will be up to him like any other player to stay there."

The Ibrox side have bolstered their midfield personnel after Ferguson's injury and the Champions League exit at the hands of Kaunas.

Manager Smith has brought in Pedro Mendes, Steven Davis and Maurice Edu.

Portuguese Mendes, in particular, has been one of the star performers as Rangers have made themselves early leaders in the Scottish Premier League.

However, although Smith's chosen midfield has performed well, the manager says Ferguson need not fear for his place in the team.

"He's been a big part of what Rangers has been over the last year or so, and he had a terrific season for us last season," said Smith.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Should Barry Ferguson be an automatic pick when fit?

"Once he can get himself up to match fitness I'll have to decide where in the midfield he'll play."

And he added that Ferguson should find his job easier than before, given the quality Rangers have signed.

"The thing that we have this season that we didn't have last season is that we have a capability now to take a little of the onus off him," said the Rangers manager.

"Last season was perhaps a little bit unfair on him.

"So we'll be delighted to have him back - even if that poses problems for us selection-wise."