If there was a moment that summed up the importance of Vaclav Cerny to Rangers manager Barry Ferguson, it came against Fenerbahce.
It wasn’t either goal in the Czech winger’s impressive double against the Turks, although without both strikes Rangers wouldn’t have progressed to the Europa League quarter finals.
Instead it was in a brief moment where Barry Ferguson thought Rangers would have to substitute Vaclav Cerny heading into injury time against Fenerbahce at Ibrox.
Brazilian striker Danilo was clipped in frustration after Ferguson’s premature decision to sub Cerny off was cancelled at the final moment.
The winger then went on to score in the penalty shoot out as Rangers recorded a famous win over Fenerbahce and progressed to the last-eight of the Europa League.
Since then, Cerny made a splash at Celtic Park, his pitch side antics in soaking Celtic fans drawing a laugh from Rangers supporters and immortalising him in the Old Firm derby.
There’s been plenty of Rangers transfer chatter around Cerny too, with Ferguson addressing the winger’s situation ahead of the weekend’s clash with Dundee.
Barry Ferguson plays crucial role in Vaclav Cerny development
It’s clear Vaclav Cerny has a fan in Barry Ferguson.
But just like Ferguson has had a role in Nicolas Raskin’s development, the Rangers manager has outlined what he’s done differently when it comes to Cerny’s performances.
It might’ve been Philippe Clement who brought Cerny to Ibrox, but it’s Ferguson who has helped the winger roll his sleeves up.
Cerny has been a crucial player all season long – the winger’s 17 goals a testament to his contribution – but for interim Rangers boss Barry, the Wolfsburg loanee has taken huge strides in his work off the ball in the last month under his leadership.
”I can only talk since I’ve been here as manager and he’s been outstanding for me,” Ferguson told the press when asked about Cerny’s future.
“I’ve asked him to do things that maybe previously it’s not been a part of his game and I’m talking about the dirty side of the game, when we’ve not got the ball he has to be a real teammate and work hard for his team and that’s something he’s produced.
“I mean we all know his quality going forward in the final third. I call these sorts of players difference-makers and that was Vac is, he’s a difference maker. But what I’ve loved from him is his work without the ball and it’s been excellent and it’s something that I said to him, if he adds that to his game then he’s going to be even better than what he is.”
Barry Ferguson would ‘love’ Vaclav Cerny to stay at Rangers
When pressed on Cerny’s future, Ferguson admitted that he has not spoken to the player about the situation.
But that hasn’t stoped Ferguson from going public with his desires to bring the Wolfsburg loanee to the club permanently next season.
“In terms of him staying here long term, I’ve not really spoke to him about it if I’m being honest with you,” Ferguson said.
“I would love to see a player of that quality remain here but I would hazard a guess that there’s going to be a lot of clubs interested in him.”
Cerny’s agent has talked down Rangers as a potential possibility this summer, hinting that that the financials surrounding the deal are ‘unrealistic’.
But with 49ers Enterprises set to take the reins at Rangers, Rangers News exclusively revealed that Cerny was an Ibrox transfer target earlier in the month.
Since then, there’s been conflicting reports surrounding an option-to-buy in Cerny’s contract, with Cerny talking up Rangers as a possibility during the international break.
This was even before the winger netted a stunning goal whilst representing the Czech Republic.
But whilst Cerny’s future is the topic of disagreements everywhere, one thing is crystal clear.
Rangers are interested, even if the transfer would cost the club a pretty penny.
Ferguson is convinced that the winger is a player of the highest quality and whilst Cerny’s future will be sorted in due course, the Rangers manager is just happy working with the player right now.
”Should Rangers be paying (big money)?” Ferguson asked. “Well he’s a player that I would love to see staying here.
“Whether that will happen or not, I’ve not had any talks. All I’m concerned (with) is that I get him out on the pitch and I get him playing really well for myself.
“In terms of fees and in terms of Vac going back in the summer, I think you’ll maybe see something happen over the next couple of months. But I can only speak on how he’s performed since I’ve took over the job. He’s been immense for me and I want to see that continue obviously.”
