It could be the legendary captain’s final home game in charge of his boyhood heroes
Cyriel Dessers got a pat on the back from Barry Ferguson after hitting his Rangers half century – but only after dodging a rollocking for taking James Tavernier’s penalty duties.
The striker brought up his 50 with a thudding header and second-half spot-kick as Ferguson’s team finished their Ibrox schedule with a 3-1 win over Dundee United.
It was the 28th goal of the season for the enigmatic Ibrox hitman. But the Gers caretaker admitted he wasn’t best pleased to see his captain and regular penalty taker step aside when the game was still poised at one-each.
Ferguson – who saw Nico Raskin seal victory – said: “I’m delighted for Cyriel because I think the big man comes in for unfair criticism.
“But to work with him for the last three months, I see how much effort he puts in on the training field.
“He gives you everything. It’s a brilliant return this year, 28 goals.
“When we got that penalty, the skip goes up and gives it to him.
“I’m thinking to myself, Cyriel better score this or he’s going to get one from me. But thankfully, he hit the back of the net. I’m delighted for him and it’s a brilliant return.”
Ibrox was only half full for Gers’ penultimate game of the season and thousands more had already made for the exit by the time the Light Blues squad went to applaud the fans at full-time.
But while there was a lukewarm reception for a team 17 points adrift of champions Celtic, the home faithful showed their appreciation for Ferguson by singing his name.
It remains to be seen if Saturday’s campaign curtain-closer at Easter Road will be the former skipper’s final match in charge but he said with a grin: “I’ve loved every minute of it. I knew it wasn’t going to be perfect when I came in.
“But I was willing to take that challenge on. And it has been challenging, believe me.
“Every day I walk into a training centre, it’s a privilege to be here. And it’s not over yet.There’s one game left and you never know what’s around the corner.
“The fans singing my name means a lot because it’s a club that I’ve been at since I was eight years old. I’m not scared to say it was a bit emotional.
“Since I’ve come in, I’ve given it everything. It was good to get that reception. We’ve still got one game to go on Saturday against Hibs at Easter Road. We need all focus to go on that now.”
Jack Butland ensured his concentration levels did not slip as he was restored to the team.
The Ibrox No1 found himself bombed last month out after a series of embarrassing spills but Ferguson praised the Englishman after a steady return – but warned he has a fight on his hands to keep Liam Kelly out of the team.
He said: “It was always my intention to bring Jack back in at some stage. Liam Kelly has been excellent. Top class, but he’s had a niggle in his back
“I decided to bring Jack back. Look, it’s been a tough period for Jack, but I’ve been honest with him.
“You’ve seen his qualities tonight. That’s the problem next season. Now Rangers have two quality No1s.
“When I made the decision, his attitude was first class. That sums him up as a man because it’s not easy when you sit an experienced player down and tell him that he’s not going to be playing.
“He was disappointed but his reaction has been brilliant.”
Vaclav Cerny looked emotional as he was subbed off near the end.
The Wolfsburg winger’s loan ends on Saturday but Ferguson hopes this isn’t the last Gers have seen of the Czech ace: “I know he’s loved his time here at Rangers.
“It’s a special place to play football, with special supporters and it was just a case of, I thought he was tiring a wee bit, bring him off, round the applause and he lapped it up.
“What I do know is Vaz loves it here, he loves playing for the club, so we’ll see what happens over the summer, but listen, he’s had a brilliant season for us, he’s been a big player for Rangers, he’s certainly been a big player for me and again, he’s another one that’s been, he’s been a joy to work with.”
