WALTER SMITH believes that skipper Barry Ferguson is in the absolute prime of his career. The 29-year-old midfielder will equal John Greig's 64 game European appearance record when he takes on Osasuna tonight in the Uefa Cup.

Smith first saw Ferguson emerge as a raw kid towards the end of his his last spell at Ibrox, before he left in 1998 and Dick Advocaat thrust the youngster into the limelight.

Now, after working with the player in the Scotland ranks before returning to Rangers, the gaffer sees an all-round, mature player operating at maximum level.

"I would say he is at his peak right now at his age, but I hope that the level of performance he has been producing in the past few months can go on for some time yet," Smith said.

"When I first had Barry he was just a kid at 18. I then left Rangers and he went on to develop very well under Dick.

"When we got back together in the national team set-up, I saw first hand just how well he had matured as a player, and how he was also able to cope with the physical side of the modern game.

"He is influencing matches, which is the sign of a player at the top of his game, and I hope that continues for some time."

Ferguson, of course, had a major bust-up with Paul Le Guen in January. He looked to be on his way, before the Frenchman quit.

"I think what happened before was awkward for everyone at the club, the player and the manager," said Smith looking back on that sensational split.

"For me it's just a relief for Barry that he's playing his football and getting on with it. We've come in and just told him to get on with his game, and the response has been terrific.

"He will match John Greig's record tonight. And, at his age, I think he'll go on and set one that will be hard to beat."