BARRY'S MADE FOR TOP LEVEL

Ferguson's style suits Rangers insists his ex-Kelty star Reilly

- By Andy Newport

BARRY FERGUSON may not have had the most convincing managerial apprenticeship in the lower leagues.

But Thomas Reilly reckons all his boyhood hero needed to be a nailed-on success as a boss was to be given the proper tools.

The former St Mirren kid was signed by the now Rangers interim manager when he took charge at Kelty Hearts having quit during a difficult third season as he cut his managerial teeth at Clyde.

It was a successful time for the former Ibrox skipper in Fife as he built a side which won back-to-back Lowland League titles.

But a step up to League One with Alloa didn't last long as he struggled to get his part-time squad to adjust to his full-time demands.

Those cracks in the foundations saw Ferguson axed after just 34 games in charge a blow that appeared to have killed off hopes of operating at a higher level.

But he has now been given a second chance at management after being called back to Ibrox to replace Philippe Clement.

With five wins out of six - including big victories over Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce and Old Firm foes Celtic - it remains to be seen if Ferguson can nail down the job permanently.

But the one thing lifelong Rangers fan Reilly isn't surprised by is his old boss getting a reaction out of a side operating at the same level he did with such success as a player.

The 30-year-old midfielder said: "Fergie was the one who signed me from Forfar. I remember getting the call to say he wanted a chat. I couldn't believe it!