Ferguson blow for Gers

Ankle injury sidelines skipper for three months

Last updated: 10th July 2008

Ferguson blow for Gers

Ferguson: Laid low

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Rangers captain Barry Ferguson will miss the start of the new season because of an ankle injury.

Ferguson struggled with the problem last season and was forced to play through the pain barrier as Rangers chased glory on four fronts.

The Scotland international has been unable to shake off the injury after returning to pre-season training and the classy midfielder faces up to three months on the sidelines.

It means Ferguson will miss the start of the SPL campaign next month as well as the crucial UEFA Champions League qualifier later this month against Santa Coloma or FBK Kaunas.

The news is a major blow for Gers boss Walter Smith as he looks to guide his side in the lucrative group stages of the Champions League.

Scotland boss George Burley lamented the loss of Ferguson for the start of their World Cup qualifiers.

"Barry has been a very important player for Scotland for a number

of years and to lose our captain at the start of the qualifying campaign is a huge blow to everybody," said Burley.

"We'll be keeping in touch with Rangers and Barry over the next few months and our hope is that he gets back playing as soon as possible."