Ferguson targets Scotland return

The Rangers midfielder was ruled out for up to four months after going under the knife in the summer to cure a troublesome ankle injury and is unlikely to feature in the World Cup qualifier against Norway on October 11 - but should make his comeback in a friendly pencilled in for the following month.

"I think October will come a bit too soon but, with the friendly being in November, I'm sure I'll be fit to play in that game," he said. "I've got a lot of hard work in the next six to eight weeks, I need to get my strength back in my calf and my ankle."

He added: "But hopefully I'll get a few reserve games in October and hopefully I'll be fit to lead Scotland out again in November."

Ferguson has yet to feature for the national team during George Burley's reign, with the captain's duties being carried out by Celtic skipper Stephen McManus in his absence.

"It's every boy's dream to be captain of your country," Ferguson added. "It's something I'm honoured to do and it's a real privilege to be skipper of my country. It's great to lead the boys out at Hampden, it's just a great honour.

"Of course it's a big disappointment missing out especially at the start of the campaign.

"It's a game you always want to be involved in so I'm disappointed but hopefully the guys can go away and get a good start to the campaign.

"We were so near to getting to the European championships.

"It's a difficult group, we all know that, but with the squad and players we've got I'm confident we can get through to the World Cup."