No room for Ferguson at Zenit says Advocaat

Barry Ferguson, whose future at Rangers is uncertain after his antics on international duty for Scotland, can forget about joining Zenit St Petersburg, Dick Advocaat, the Russian club’s manager, said.

Advocaat made Ferguson his captain during the Dutchman’s spell as manager of the Ibrox club, but insisted Tuesday that he had no plans to lure the 31-year-old midfielder to Russia.

Ferguson was stripped of the Ranger’s captaincy, suspended without pay for two weeks, and told he would never play for his country again after a drinking binge after Scotland’s defeat to Holland.

He and teammate Allan McGregor then compounded their plight when caught making V-signs on the substitute’s bench in last week’s win over Iceland.

Advocaat, while still an admirer of Ferguson, told Tuesday’s Daily Record he had no intention of trying to sign him.

“I was asked if I would be interested in signing Barry if he is leaving Rangers in the summer.

“My answer was clear. If I did not have a player for that position then Ferguson would have been one of my choices – but I don’t need a player for that position,” he told the paper.

The former Holland boss added: “(Anatoly) Timoschuk has done an excellent job for me and is a real quality player. So, in principle, I have no need for Barry.”

Commenting on the Ferguson saga he commented: “I find what happened strange. But then, I believe Barry has been at the club for too long.

“It is better for him to leave Rangers and get a new motivation.

“I think he is still a great player but not for Rangers any more. Walter Smith will realise this because he is a very bright man.”