REACH THE SEMI & JOB IS YOURS

ALEX MCLEISH reckons Barry Ferguson will deserve the Rangers job for keeps if he leads his side to another blockbuster win in Bilbao tomorrow night.

- Fraser Wilson

The former Ibrox gaffer has been impressed with how his old captain has handled the pressure as caretaker boss.

And with a Europa League semi-final up for grabs in Spain, he believes the showdown with the tournament favourites could be decisive to his chances of landing the job permanently.

Ferguson, left, has continually batted away questions over his future.

But with new American owners closing in on a takeover, McLeish is in no doubt the 47-year-old will be thinking about succeeding Philippe Clement permanently.

And he reckons tomorrow's Athletic Club showdown could well hold the key with Rangers heading to Spain after holding the La Liga side to a 0-0 draw with 10 men.

McLeish said: "Barry knows what a chance he's got.