Rangers club captain Barry Ferguson is intent on proving his critics wrong after some disappointing displays following a long term injury. "I'm always open for criticism if I'm not fully up to speed but I've said all along that it'll take me a few matches to catch up with the rest of the squad," said the 30-year-old, who has made nine appearances since recovering from surgery almost seven weeks ago.

"It has been frustrating for me knowing I've had to wait and be patient as I've tried to get to the level I should be at.

"Now I feel I'm getting towards it and that I'm coming out the other side. I'm a strong character and, in the weeks to come, I'll shut my critics up."

He added in Rangers News: "People perhaps don't realise how much being out for as long as I have holds you back when you start to return.

"You're well behind everybody and it's a really slow build-up when you take the first step towards the team again.

"For three months, I basically did nothing and, as a footballer, you lose a lot of fitness if you're only idle for a week or two.

"Missing pre-season leaves you at a major disadvantage and you can feel really left out because you're miles behind everyone else.

"It takes a long time to get your sharpness back and that has been the case with me over the first few games."