Barry Ferguson needs all the help he can get as Rangers get ready to face off against Athletic Club in the Europa League.
The former Ibrox captain wants his side to channel the spirit of Manchester ‘08, when Barry Ferguson captained Rangers to the UEFA Cup Final.
Ferguson has been addressing a press conference ahead of the match and revealed positive news when it comes to no fewer than six players heading into the game in Bilbao.
But the addition of John Souttar – who missed the first leg of the Europa League quarter final due to suspension – has grabbed the headlines.
Barry Ferguson has great ‘admiration’ for John Souttar
Barry Ferguson reckons that the return of John Souttar will be a ‘big help’ to Rangers’ hopes of progressing in the Europa League.
The Rangers centre-back has been a crucial player for the Gers this season and will be central, quite literally, to the club’s ambitions of reaching the semi-finals.
”Soutts is a big player and one I have always rated and admired,” Ferguson said. “When you get to work with him every day, you see how good he really is.
“As he is getting more mature as a centre-back, he is getting better. He’s one of the leaders in the team so having him back from suspension is a big help to us.”
Stats prove Rangers are better side with John Souttar in team
John Souttar’s influence in the Rangers team is plain to see with the 28-year-old Scotland international one of the club’s most crucial players.
That is played out in the stats too, with Rangers almost certainly a much better team with the former Hearts skipper in the side.
| With John Souttar | Without John Souttar | |
| Games (W-D-L) | 34 (21-5-8) | 18 (8-5-5) |
| Goals for (goals against) | 65 (30) | 33 (24) |
| Goal difference | +35 | +9 |
| Win percentage | 60% | 44% |
Rangers will hope the return of Souttar has a big impact on the game with the club needing to shore up shop at the back and take their chances in the final third.
