BARRY FERGUSON today urged Rangers fans to put their battle against the board to one side and rally round Fernando Ricksen this weekend.

The former Light Blues captain will return to Ibrox on Sunday and join the likes of Jorg Albertz, Michael Mols and Ronald de Boer in a bid to raise funds for the stricken Dutchman.

Money collected from the match, which will see a team of Rangers heroes take on a star-studded invitational eleven, will be split between Ricksen and a host of charities.

Thousands of Rangers fans have refused to set foot inside Ibrox this season in protest at the under-fire Gers board as attendances in the Championship have plummeted.

But Ferguson hopes there will be a bumper crowd this weekend to pay tribute to Ricksen, and see stars of yesteryear strut their stuff on the hallowed turf once again.

He said: "I'm looking forward to the match. It's for a great cause. I'm really looking forward to meeting a lot of the lads I played with.

"Everything that has happened to Fernando just makes you appreciate life a lot more.

"It's a difficult time but I'm just doing a small part by showing up to pay my respects. You just need to see the turnout from former players who are coming to support him.

"I just hope the crowd is a big one. I've heard it's at 23,000 or 24,000 and I just hope it's a full house for the guy because he was a tremendous servant for the club. He captained it to trophies, so I hope there's a good turnout for him.

"I have no doubt the fans will forget about the off-field stuff and their issues with the way the club is being run. It's Fernando's day. Let's not forget that.

"He's going through a hard time. I'm sure the fans will realise (the profits) are going to Fernando, his kid, Motor Neurone Disease and various other charities. I'm more than sure there will be a great turnout for him."

Ricksen was diagnosed with MND two years ago and has put up a brave battle against the debilitating disease.

The 38-year-old won seven major honours during his Ibrox career and captained the club during Alex McLeish's tenure.

Ferguson said: "He's faced this with a lot of bravery and I take my hat off to him. He was like that as a player - a tough cookie. He's handling it really well.

"Even today when I met him he is still bright and he is excited about the game.

"But it's hard when you see a guy of his age going through what he is. He's only a year older than myself. You need to enjoy life."