Maurice Edu would love to see deposed skipper Barry Ferguson remain at Rangers - even though it would mean more competition for him.

Ferguson's future at Ibrox was thrown into doubt after he was stripped of the captaincy and banned by the club for his role in the infamous 'Boozegate' incident.

However, Edu believes the former captain still has plenty to offer, saying: "I think it's great to have players like him around."

He added: "His reputation speaks for itself, he has done numerous things for this club and has been a great leader for the club. His time here has been tremendous.

"If his time continues here, it will be great for the club and great for him as a player.

"I think he still has a lot to offer to the game and to young players coming up here at Rangers.

"Myself, I can learn from him and the other experienced players here."

The American added: "The thing that's good about this team is that, as much as there is a lot of competition for positions, we all get along with each other and we all motivate each other to bring out the best in each other.

"During my time here it has been great with the likes of Barry, Pedro Mendes, Steven Davis and Kevin Thomson because they push me every day to be a better player."