Ferguson retains hope of keeping Rangers head coach role

Rangers interim head coach Barry Ferguson celebrates Cyriel Dessers' opener against Celtic in their 1-1 draw

Interim head coach Barry Ferguson maintains hope of being in charge of Rangers beyond the end of this season after Celtic came from behind to deny the Ibrox side a third straight win over the Scottish champions.

Despite an encouraging display and leading through Cyriel Dessers' 25th goal of the season just before half-time, they were denied by Adam Idah's second-half leveller to extend their Ibrox winless run to an unwanted record seven matches.

With the points differential remaining at 17 with Celtic, and results remaining inconsistent, Ferguson still believes he has what it takes to succeed as permanent boss, emphasising that urgency is paramount to bring clarity.

"People have got opinions, but I know I can do the job," he told BBC Scotland. "I've been written off all my life in terms of my playing career.

"When I got the opportunity, I grabbed it with both hands. There's been bumps – that's just part of management, but it's not scared me one single bit.

"The quicker we sort what's going on in terms of next season, the better, because the season's just round the corner.

"There is a lot of work to be done and the quicker that everybody knows who's going to be in charge, the better."

Ferguson was left "a bit disappointed we didn't come away with three points" against Celtic.

He thought he got "the commitment from my players" he was asking for and insisted "the mentality is there" among the squad he inherited.

"It's just making sure you bring that sort of mentality on a consistent basis," Ferguson said. "It's something we've not been able to do this season. It's something we know we need to get better at."

Former Rangers striker Steven Thompson is unconvinced that Ferguson will see his wish granted at the end of the season as new prospective owners prepare a takeover.

"I don't think they've done enough in the short time that they've been here," he said of Ferguson and his coaching staff.

"There's been moments when they've had good results and it's looked positive, but that's followed up with a kind of inept performance the next week.

"Most Rangers fans, now this game's out the way, are just wanting it to be announced about the investment, a manager announced and then they can start looking ahead to next season, which surely can't be as bitterly disappointing a campaign as this one."