Is Barry Ferguson's Rangers record against Celtic enough to convince 49ers he's their man after all? Monday Jury

KEITH JACKSON : That depends very much on the conversation he had last week behind closed doors with Kevin Thelwell. If the incoming sporting director liked what he heard then Ferguson may still be in the managerial mix with time very much of the essence.

MICHAEL GANNON : It’s hard to see Ferguson getting the gig. It’s been a mixed bag – but that was always going to be the case with this Gers squad. The question is whether the new owners have a different vision and where they want to take it.

ANDY NEWPORT : Unlikely. He inherited a shambles but had to do something special to convince his doubters. His team have left him down on too many occasions for him to be a serious contender.

FRASER WILSON : I wouldn’t think so. It’s a fantastic record against the toughest opponent on home soil but the bigger picture - four wins from 12 games and none at Ibrox - is damaging to Ferguson’s hopes. He was on a hiding to nothing with the squad at his disposal and has shown he could be a good manager elsewhere but, for next season, probably not at Ibrox.

KEITH : Yes. And they’ll thoroughly deserve it too. David Gray has done an outstanding job and his team is comfortably the best of the rest.

MICHAEL : They are almost home and hosed. Aberdeen have the Old Firm back to back next so another win and David Gray’s men will be officially best of the rest.

ANDY : Certainly it’s in their grasp. Both David Gray’s men and the Dons still have the Old Firm to play but you have to say the Leith men look to have the momentum and belief to finish the job.

FRASER : Not quite. Goal difference means they are as good as four points clear of Aberdeen so if the Dons want to stay in the race they really need to win at Ibrox next Sunday and hope Hibs