Thomson has been in good form for Rangers this season

Kevin Thomson knows it will be tough to hold down a place in the Rangers midfield now captain Barry Ferguson has returned to action.

Ferguson has now made two substitute appearances since spending five months on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

"It's a big club and there is always competition for places," said Thomson.

"It's been well-documented that the skipper is back now and he is pushing for a game, not just myself, it's up to every player to stay on their toes."

The Rangers midfield has performed well in Ferguson's absence, with summer signings Steven Davis and Pedro Mendes establishing themselves in Walter Smith's side and Thomson turning in a number of impressive displays.

However, as club captain, Ferguson is virtually assured of a place in Smith's plans once he regains full match fitness.

Thomson snatched an injury-time equaliser with a fantastic long-range strike in the 3-3 draw against Dundee United at Ibrox on Tuesday.

It was a thrilling game but the former Hibs star admits Rangers can't afford too many slip ups if they are to maintain pressure on league leaders Celtic.

"If we are going to win the title, we have to win our home games so it certainly feels like two points dropped," said Thompson.

"It was the same when I was at Hibs, every team who comes up against the Old Firm wants to do their best.

"It's always a cup final, especially at Ibrox in front of 50,000.

"If you don't want to come here and perform, then you shouldn't be playing football.

"They came and had a go and it's up to us to up our game and make sure that we beat these teams."

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