Barry Ferguson believes Rangers can still pip Celtic to the Scottish Premiership title, despite their recent struggles under Michael Beale.

The Englishman was axed as manager at the weekend following a dismal run of results in the league and in Europe.

Three defeats in seven Premiership games left Rangers third in the league – behind St Mirren – and seven points adrift of city rivals Celtic before the axe fell on the Englishman.

Ferguson believes it was the right call for his former side to get rid of their manager and he now hopes the Light Blues can turn their season around to mount a title challenge.

He told the Daily Record: "This is Rangers we're talking about and that's not a job many managers say 'no' to. By taking action over the weekend the board have been smart. Yes, Celtic might be seven points clear but we're only seven games in.

"There's another 31 - and three of them are derbies - so there's plenty of time to put up a proper challenge for the title. There's a League Cup semi on the horizon, a great chance of making it out of the Europa League group and the Scottish Cup hasn't even started yet. What ambitious manager wouldn't fancy a bit of all that?

"There are plenty of good players in that squad and lots of talent to work with. But the most important thing now is that the club make the best possible. appointment. John Bennett has already said he won't be rushed as he knows the club has to get this one right and I applaud him for that.

"But I would expect him to have secured a replacement by the middle of next week. Ten days ought to be long enough to identify the top three or four candidates and get them in for a conversation."