Rangers Football Club News

• Nickname:The gers, The light blues
• Founded:1873
• Manager:Ally McCoist

• Ground:Iborx
• Capacity:50,444

Smith stands by Gers skipper

06 Dec 2008 - 11:48:24

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Rangers manager Walter Smith has defended skipper Barry Ferguson against criticism of his performances since returning from a long-term ankle injury.

The 30-year-old has been struggling to regain top form since coming back into the Gers first team in the last month, but Smith has no doubts over his captain's qualities.

He told the club's official website: "You don't get any time and people are inclined to make instant judgements and we all have to live with that.

"But it would be natural for anyone who has been out for a five-month period to take a little time to get back to full fitness.

"He needs games and in contrast to last season, we probably could have done with a few more.

"Barry is coming along and he is doing as we expected him to do.

"He is starting to get sharper and when someone plays under the spotlight that he plays under, then people are always making assessments."