We miss the creative spark of Barry Ferguson, says Rangers star Nacho Novo

Jul 20 2008 By Gavin Berry In Germany

NACHO NOVO last night insisted Rangers must sign a replacement for crocked Barry Ferguson quickly.

The Spaniard spoke out after Gers finished their pre-season tour of Germany with a 1-0 defeat to Bundesliga giants Schalke.

Walter Smith's men struggled to create chances in the Veltins Arena and Novo reckons they missed the creative spark of Ferguson.

The Ibrox skipper has had surgery on an ankle injury which could keep him out for up to four months.

Novo wants to see the void filled in midfield and reckons Gers must act before their crunch Champions League qualifiers.

And the deadline for signing players who can feature in the first qualifier is midnight on Thursday.

Nacho said: "Barry is a right-sided midfielder and we don't have anyone.

"We have Charlie Adam but he's left-sided just like Kevin Thomson so we need someone else.

"We've picked up a few injuries and there aren't many players left. DaMarcus Beasley and Barry have picked up knocks and are important players.

"It's a big squad and we'll do everything we can to compensate because we need to be ready for the European qualifiers.

"It's quite tiring and that's the third game we've played in Germany. It's always hard at this stage of pre-season but the most important thing is the fitness.

"We need more games until we get up to speed. But I'm positive - it's nearly the same team as last season plus some new signings.

"We just have to keep going and work hard. I like to win every game but we didn't lose anything when Schalke beat us."

Summer signing Andrius Velicka came closest to scoring after bulleting a header off the post and Novo has been impressed with him.

He said: "Andrius has been playing in Norway so he's looking fit.

"He's a clever player and I've always admired him.

"His movement is good and it looks like he will be a top striker for us."

Despite Novo's concerns boss Smith insists he won't be rushed into signing a new midfielder. He said: "We've been looking for a midfielder from the end of last season but one who will raise our standards is difficult to find.

"I won't take someone just for the sake of taking them.

"It has to be a player who can improve our team and you have to remember Barry will be back - albeit three months down the line."

Smith was denied the services of Kris Boyd yesterday with a hamstring injury but the striker should be available for Tuesday's friendly at Clyde.

Carlos Cuellar is also set to resume training and should be fit for Saturday's match with Raith Rovers.

Then it's time for the Euro crunch and Smith reckons facing Schalke will help them.

He said: "We know the standard we're going to have to achieve. Over the last few seasons Schalke have been chasing the German title."

Meanwhile, Smith hit back at Cardiff boss Dave Jones' claims that Gers had made a "derogatory" bid for defender Glenn Loovens.

He said: "I didn't know anyone had been in touch with Cardiff so if that's derogatory then fair enough.

"They've been in touch with us regarding Kris Boyd but that has been it."