Barry Ferguson notes Rangers and Celtic international observation as he quips 'nice to see Callum McGregor rested'

Smirking Barry Ferguson insists it was "nice to see" Celtic skipper Callum McGregor rested by Scotland ahead of the Rangers showdown.

The Parkhead captain started the friendly against Poland but was replaced after 77 minutes with Rangers star Ryan Jack stepping into the midfield.

McGregor was then left out of the draw with Austria on Tuesday, while Jack played from the start before Steve Clarke replaced him after 58 minutes.

With the international break coming to a close, attention turns back to the Scottish Premiership action and Sunday's crucial derby showdown.

The differing game time handed to Jack and McGregor on Tuesday night has led to some fans accusing Clarke of providing an advantage to Celtic going into the game at Ibrox.

And former Rangers skipper Ferguson admits he was surprised to see McGregor miss out in Vienna.

Speaking on The Go Radio Football Show about the Scotland squad, Ferguson said: "I just get a right good feeling about this squad.

"It's a real strong squad. You look at the guys that started, and you look at the guys that come off the bench."

He then chuckled: "It was nice to see Steve Clarke rested Callum McGregor, but listen that's the quality.

"Callum McGregor is probably one of, if not, Scotland's most important player. But it just shows you the quality in depth that he has got there."

When pressed on if Steve Clarke was giving Celtic and advantage, Ferguson stopped short: "Ryan Jack only played 60 minutes, and only played 20 odd minutes against Poland. I guess it kind of evens itself out.

"I think if you ask Callum he would have rather played. He never misses games. When you look back on Callum McGregor's record, even Scotland games, he never misses them.

"It might have been a bit