The Celtic midfielder will decide on his own future once the Euro 2004 qualifying campaign has reached full swing after the game against Germany in June next year.

Lambert had announced his decision to quit the international arena last October before Scotland boss Berti Vogts persuaded him to return to help the integration of younger players into the squad.

But the Hoops skipper believes his opposite number across Glasgow at Rangers has all the qualities required to lead Scotland when his time arrives.

Lambert said: "Barry (Ferguson) will be a great captain of Scotland when I leave. No problem whatsoever.

"Everybody knows he is a very good player and he will handle the captaincy without a problem."

But, while Ferguson has proved he is ready for the battle to help Scotland qualify for Euro 2004, Lambert's role as skipper is designed to develop the younger players in the squad.

And the one-time European Cup winner with Borussia Dortmund knows just how important the influence of more experienced players can be.

Lambert said: "When I was a young player myself, I was looking for the older players to try and pull me through.

"Once they can move on, they take the burden themselves and it becomes a different thing.

"This is not for my benefit - it is to try and help the younger players and the manager, who is in a foreign country.

"Football is not just about ability. You have got to be able to handle yourself in situations like playing in front of big crowds."

With qualification for Euro 2004 starting in the Faroes on 7 September, Lambert is aware of how crucial the Denmark game is.

He concluded: "It is important to get a result because it is at Hampden and it is also the manager's first game there."