'I'll take inspiration from Smith, Advocaat and McLeish': Barry Ferguson prepares Rangers for Fenerbahce

Rangers interim boss Barry Ferguson underlined the difficulty of his side’s task in Istanbul as he said Fenerbahce are potential winners of the Europa League.

The teams meet in the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium on Thursday in the first leg of their last 16 tie.

Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce had to see off Anderlecht in the play-off stage to reach this point, while Rangers qualified directly after making the top eight of the League Phase.

Despite their domestic form this season, Rangers have saved their best performances for Europe and gone up against some big-name sides, including Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United. Ferguson thinks they’ll be facing another elite side in Turkey.

“First and foremost the team’s done brilliant to get to this stage,” the interim manager said.

“This is a very good Fenerbahce team in my opinion with a lot of top players, we’ve watched them a few times. They have a top-class manager, so it will be a really tough game.

“We’ve prepared in the right manner but we understand that we’re coming up against a very good team.

“[Jose Mourinho] is a top-class manager and has managed at so many top teams. Fenerbahce could win the Europa League so we need to be prepared and ready.”

Former Rangers captain Ferguson had been working as a club ambassador and as a media pundit before getting the call to step in as Philippe Clement’s replacement until the end of the season. He says he’s seen the side at their best in Europe as he’s travelled to watch them home and away in the competition.

Now, as he prepares a plan to stop a side that has plenty of top quality players and a manager who has won four European trophies, he’s taking inspiration from those he played under, including Walter Smith.

“We’re coming up against a different level, to be honest,” Ferguson said. “They’ve proved they can compete against a high level of team.

“We’ve got a plan. We need to keep their players quiet.

“If we take our eye off the ball at any stage they will do one thing and that’s hurt you. I take inspiration from not just Walter Smith, but Dick Advocaat and Alex McLeish.

“I’ve played in a lot of European games and understand you have to play in a different way. The coaching staff have good experience of European football too.

“We’re prepared, the guys know their jobs, they know their roles so let’s look forward to it.”