Barry Ferguson has conceded he is finding it difficult to defend Rangers after the shock defeat to Ross County and goalless draw in Dundee.

The Ibrox hero had predicted Rangers would go into the split with a five-point cushion over title rivals Celtic. However, it's Celtic with a three-point lead ahead of the final five matchdays.

Ferguson has been left stunned by the turn of events as he despaired at the inability to win at Dens Park off the back of the defeat in Dingwall. 

The pundit reckons Rangers are in real danger of throwing away all the good work they've done this season under Philippe Clement to catch Celtic.

And if he's honest, Ferguson's patience is "starting to wear a bit thin" with the recent form "simply not good enough".

In his Daily Record column, he wrote:  "And the truth of the matter is it’s getting very difficult for me to try to defend the indefensible where my old club’s recent results and performances are concerned.

He added: "But, like the fans who made the journey to Dens Park the other night and who vented their anger on the final whistle, I must admit that even my own patience is starting to wear a bit thin.

"I’d imagine Philippe Clement will be feeling much the same way. Because, having worked so hard for so long to drag themselves back into the thick of a title fight, Rangers are now in danger of allowing the season to slip through their fingers. And that’s simply not good enough."

READ MORE: 'We've been s***': Rangers player in frank form admission

Worryingly, Ferguson reckons the threat of a title collapse has raised questions over the Rangers squad and whether players appreciate their position or if they're "not really all that bothered".

"It also raises a lot of unwanted questions about the mentality of some of these guys and about the strength of their character and desire," he wrote. "Every man and his dog have had something to say about it over the last 48 hours. Are they prepared to go that extra mile and fight and scratch for the badge on their chest? Or do they not really have the stomach for it?

"I personally didn’t have any doubts about it but, yes, the way they have performed over the last couple of weeks has left me scratching my head and wondering if some of these guys truly understand how privileged they are to be pulling on that shirt. Or if they’re not really all that bothered."

Despite Ferguson's criticism and fear over the conclusion to the title race - he urged supporters to back the team after giving himself a talking to.

Ferguson wrote: "Let’s just say I was almost lost for words on Wednesday when I watched them lose another two precious points in Dundee and it left me feeling so down that I struggled to get a decent night’s sleep.

"But, after a lot of tossing and turning, I woke up yesterday morning and gave myself a shake because, for as long as it’s still possible for Rangers to win this league, then supporters like myself have a responsibility to back the team through difficult moments such as these."