Ferguson still on recovery road

Ferguson was disappointed to lose at Tynecastle

Rangers captain Barry Ferguson admits he is still a few weeks away from being back to his best.

The 30-year-old midfielder has started the last four league games and made a Scotland appearance after recovering from ankle surgery in the summer.

"I've got another few games yet before getting up to speed with the other boys," he said.

"I've had a few starts and I've still got a way to go. In pre-season, you usually play about eight games."

A 2-1 defeat at Hearts on Saturday leaves Rangers trailing leaders Celtic by seven points in the Premier League.

Rangers have dropped 10 points on the road so far this season and Ferguson knows there is now no room for more errors in their remaining games.

"We spoke about that after the game - we have to win every game now," he added.

"It's just disappointing that it's come down to set-pieces again because last year we were very strong when the ball was played into the box.

"It's something we will have to sit down and chat about."

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Goals from Marius Zaliukas and Laryea Kingston sealed a fifth consecutive league win for Hearts despite an own goal from Christos Karipidis and a red card for Lee Wallace providing some hope for Rangers.

"It's not just the two goals, we didn't start well," confessed Ferguson.

"That's our problem, we've got to start well in games."