Delighted Barry Ferguson isn't joining those Rangers fans underwhelmed by the appointment of Nils Koppen as sporting director.

The treble-winning captain, who came into the team as a kid under Walter Smith and Dick Advocaat at the turn of the century, was delighted to hear the Belgian talk about the importance of the academy in his plans.

And Ferguson is particularly happy to hear that Koppen intends to bring the Rangers DNA into the building via appointments of former successful players to the Training Centre staff.

He told the Daily Record: "When you listen to Koppen talk about his aims and ambitions for improving that side of the club you can hear the passion in his voice. He’s spoken about the importance of youngsters who have the right DNA and the will to win over and above their natural ability. It matters to him. He really gets it. And if that’s going to be his driving aim then he might just be the right man in the right place after all.

"I’ve spoken to quite a lot of parents I’ve bumped into over the years and told them exactly the same thing. Ability is great but if your boy is going to make it as a professional he needs to have a strong mentality and a bit of character about him.

"Nils seems to be on the same page in that regard and I really like the fact that he’s now talking about bringing in former players to help assist and support the young players and the coaching staff in terms of what is required to be a success at Rangers. It’s all about helping the club to progress and get better and it goes without saying that, as former players, we would do everything we can to make that happen.

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"But I’m not the only one who understands what it takes. There are plenty of guys out there - and a lot of them are my old team mates - who are qualified as coaches and who have every bit as much to offer. If Koppen reaches out to some of these guys and brings them on board then it can only be a good thing for the football club. And that’s what every single one of us wants.

"You don’t stop caring about the best interests of Rangers when you leave the club or hang up your boots - you carry a responsibility to do what you can, wherever or whenever you are needed. Ask any of the guys and to a man they’ll almost all say the same thing. That’s what makes it such a very special football club."