Ferguson: I'm going nowhere

Ferguson's future at Blackburn has been the subject of intense speculation for some time, with Newcastle United and his old club Rangers reported to be lining up moves for the Scotland captain in the January transfer window.

However, in an exclusive interview with the Evening Telegraph, the 26-year-old midfielder has reaffirmed his commitment to Rovers by vowing he's in it for the long haul under Mark Hughes.

And the former Ibrox favourite has even called on the Rovers board to free up the funds that would allow Hughes to strengthen the squad with a couple of new signings in the window.

"It's all a bit annoying," said Ferguson, in reference to the constant speculation surrounding him.

"I've still got more than two years left on my contract here and since the new regime have come in, I've really enjoyed it.

"The training has been excellent and I think I can learn a lot off the new guys who have come in and the stuff they're coaching us.

"The main thing is I'm happy and my family is happy. And if we can get the right results on a Saturday then I'll be even happier.

"So I definitely see my future here.

"You're always going to get speculation and clubs are always going to get linked.

"I can't do anything about that and until anything concrete happens, I'm loving it at Blackburn and, hopefully, I can stay here for a few more years yet."

Rangers boss Alex McLeish recently admitted he would 'love' to take Ferguson back to Ibrox - just 18 months after he sold him to Rovers for a £7 million fee.

Ex-Blackburn manager Graeme Souness is also a big admirer of Ferguson's and the Newcastle chief has been strongly linked with a move for his former captain in January.

But Ferguson himself sees the job of keeping Blackburn in the Premiership as a 'massive challenge' and he wants to be an integral part of the Hughes revolution.

"Since Mark Hughes, Mark Bowen and Eddie (Niedzwiecki) have come in, they've been great," said Ferguson.

"I've learned so much in the last couple of months and I'm really enjoying myself. You can see that in the team and the way we are performing now.

"We're going out there and enjoying our football.

"It's a massive challenge (trying to transform Rovers' fortunes) and I want to be part of that challenge.

"I don't think it's going to be done in a year or so. I think the new manager needs to be given a bit of time.

"Before he came in, the players were struggling but he's done a good job and hopefully he can get a bit of money to maybe strengthen again.

"Competition for places is important. I know we've been linked with different players but if he can bring three or four in then that would be great.

"I think the board will help him as much as they can and if the gaffer gets a bit of money then hopefully the only way is up."

Meanwhile, Hughes and his coaching staff have begun to draw up a list of possible targets ahead of next month's window.

The Rovers boss is keen to strengthen in a number of areas but he has stressed he will only sign players who are good enough to walk straight into the team.

One player who has repeatedly been linked with a move to Ewood is Welsh international defender Danny Gabbidon.

However, Cardiff City manager Lennie Lawrence has reiterated his intention not to sell the player.

"I've got no interest in selling him (Gabbidon) whatsoever," said Lawrence.

"I'm not interested in punting him around or entertaining speculation."