McLeish puts an end to Ferguson rumours

The Rangers manager Alex McLeish has moved to quash speculation that his captain Barry Ferguson is on the brink of a move out of Ibrox.

Ferguson – who was rated at £12m by his previous manager Dick Advocaat – has been linked with a move to Liverpool, but McLeish said no approach had been made by any club and that he expects the midfielder to remain at the club until the end of the season at least.

Ferguson is currently out with a rib injury and McLeish's first priority is to get him back in time for Sunday's Old Firm derby at Ibrox. He said: "You can never say never about anything, but nothing has been decreed at this club player-wise, either coming in or going out. It wouldn't surprise me if he is attracting interest from big clubs but this is a huge club as well and I am sure he would cost a lot of money."

Rangers can cut Celtic's Premier League lead to seven points by beating them on Sunday – but only if they beat St Johnstone tonight.Rangers are without Ronald de Boer and have doubts over Ferguson, Michael Mols, Bert Konterman, Maurice Ross and Shota Arveladze. All bar De Boer are expected to return for Sunday.

St Johnstone's Keigan Parker is suspended while Sammy Youssef is out with a groin injury.