Barry Ferguson: Celtic didn't spend after 2003...we must make sure we do

May 18 2008 By Mark Guidi

BARRY FERGUSON reckons Rangers must splash the cash if they are to build on the success of their remarkable run to the UEFA Cup Final.

The Ibrox captain wants to make an impact at Champions League level and hopes Sir David Murray gives boss Walter Smith the funds to bring more quality to the squad.

Ferguson knows standing still would be a recipe for disaster after watching Celtic fail to strengthen following their march to a European final five years ago. It was a source of frustration for Martin O'Neill while Hoops midfielder Neil Lennon also questioned the wisdom of not spending serious money on top players.

That led to Parkhead chief Dermot Desmond contacting Lennon to tell him to keep his opinions to himself.

Ibrox chairman Murray said two months ago that Smith would be given significant funds to bring in new players and Ferguson hopes he now delivers on that promise.

Between European football and the sale of Alan Hutton to Tottenham, Gers have pulled in more than s30million in the past nine months.

Smith would like to see a good chunk of that made available for him to spend and Ferguson said: "I hope the club can build on this as Rangers have made a few quid out of this run.

"I'm sure the chairman, who has always backed the manager, will give Walter the funds to bring in quality players.

"That's what we're needing. Competition for places never does any harm.

"The manager is great at his job and will know the positions he needs to strengthen.

"I would like to think the gaffer would get some of the money the club has made."

As well as adding to the squad boss Smith wants to keep hold of his best players. And Ferguson stated categorically that Carlos Cuellar and Allan McGregor will not leave the club this summer.

Both will be the subject of bids from English sides in the close season with Cuellar rated in the s10m bracket.

But Barry said: "I am sure Carlos and Allan will stay.

"Carlos loves it here. It was great to see his attitude when I came into the dressing-room after the defeat to Zenit.

"He was as disappointed as the Scottish boys at not winning the UEFA Cup.

"Carlos loves being in Scotland and loves playing for Rangers. He wants to be here and I think he will stay."

On-loan Fulham ace Steven Davis has been another star performer this term and Ferguson hopes his midfield sidekick also stays at Ibrox.

"Carlos, Allan and Steve have all seen the success of this year.

"If we get those three guys to stay and also bring in some quality then we will really be looking good.

"We're playing some good stuff just now and have confidence and quality."

Ferguson was gutted when he failed to get his hands on the UEFA Cup in midweek. He badly wanted it but Zenit St Petersburg were just too good for Smith's side.

Now the Gers skipper wants to taste another Euro run.

Baz said: "Getting to the final was something I never thought would happen so I enjoyed it.

"It was disappointing to leave with a runners-up medal but maybe I will get to another European final and win.

"We know how to do it now in Europe. But we just wish we could have put Zenit under more pressure because their keeper didn't look too confident.

"Maybe we could have kept the ball a bit better and played more football but it didn't happen for us.

"I also thought we should have had a penalty but I don't want to sound bitter because Zenit won the cup and I congratulate them.

"However, I think we've played against better teams in this competition."

Ferguson will now turn his attention to helping Gers complete a domestic treble.

And he hopes by Saturday night he doesn't just have the CIS Cup to show for his efforts this season.

He said: "As soon as I came into the dressing-room after we lost to Zenit I said to the players that we must not let the heads go down.

"It was disappointing not to win the UEFA Cup but it is over and done with.

"What we can do is win the league and Scottish Cup.

"People may go on about tiredness but we have all the motivation we need to go on.

"There will be no excuses coming out the dressing-room.

"Fair play to Celtic for winning the last two Old Firm games and the race is now back on. We know we are in a fight but I'm sure Celtic know they are in one as well."