SPL: Numan urges Ferguson to make Premiership move

Rangers defender Arthur Numan reckons Barry Ferguson can emulate Roy Keane on the world stage, but only if he leaves Ibrox for the Premiership.

Speculation over a big-money summer switch has surrounded Ferguson for a number of weeks and Numan was adamant it was something the player had to do.

"I think now is the right moment to leave. I think he can become like Roy Keane," said Numan.

Rangers fans are hoping the team's revival under Alex McLeish, who guided them to CIS Insurance Cup glory on Sunday, might tempt Ferguson to stay.

But Numan argued that the very nature of Scottish football meant Ferguson could only develop as a player on a bigger stage.

He said: "If he (Ferguson) goes to England it will make him a better player. I want him to stay here because it is very difficult to replace him.

"But I think he can only bring his performances to a higher level if he goes to England.

"If I were in his situation at 24-years-old I would make the move down south. It is nothing to do with Rangers because Rangers are a fantastic side to play for.

"But here you play one week against Paris St Germain in the Uefa Cup and a few days later you play St Johnstone. In England, players play every week at a high level and that can only be good for your own game.

"I have no doubts that if Barry goes to England he will become a very good player - and that is for the Scotland team as well."