Ferguson starts for Rangers

Barry Ferguson starts for Rangers in the Homecoming Scottish Cup final against Falkirk for the first time since his involvement in the ’Boozegate’ affair.

The deposed skipper was drafted into the starting line-up for the clash at Hampden along with Lee McCulloch after Pedro Mendes and Maurice Edu were both ruled out through injury.

Those were the only two changes manager Walter Smith made from the side who clinched the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title on Sunday, as Rangers looked to claim a domestic double.

Falkirk boss John Hughes also made two changes from the team who retained their SPL status with a dramatic win over Inverness.

Kevin McBride replaced the suspended Arnau Riera, while Neil McCann was given the nod ahead of Carl Finnigan.

Steven Pressley had to settle for a place on the bench after returning from suspension.