BARRY FERGUSON will savour one of the proudest moments of his life when he equals John Greig's European appearance record against Osasuna tomorrow night.

The Greatest Ever Ranger set a record of 64 games - the most by any Scottish player - during a glittering career at Ibrox.

But Ferguson will match that figure when he leads Rangers into battle against the Spaniards in the Uefa Cup last 16 tie.

The 29-year-old has come a long way since making his debut against Shelbourne under Dick Advocaat back in 1998.

And with plenty of years left in the tank, the on-form midfielder could well set a record that will take some beating.

"It will certainly be a proud moment for me," said Ferguson as he prepared for the first leg of a tie that will be worth some £3million to Rangers should they get into the last eight.

"Usually I am not one for records. But when I was told that I was about to equal Greigy's record then I realised that it was something special.

"He is a legend at the club, so it's great that I am going to be able to match his record of 64 games.

"John is someone I have always looked up to. I go to him for advice so it means a lot to be equalling one of his many achievements.

"He's not said anything about it yet, but I am sure as we get nearer to the game he'll have a word.

"I am just thrilled to have come this far. I didn't think, when I started nine years ago, that I would get anywhere near 64 games.

"I remember the Shelbourne game. We were 3-0 down at half time and wee Dick roasted us. We came back to win 5-3, and I've been involved in some top games in both the Champions League and the Uefa Cup since."

Ferguson would be delighted if he can extend the record in the next few weeks. That would mean that Rangers involvement in this season's Uefa Cup has continued to the later stages.

Standing in the way of that dream are the struggling La Liga side, who arrived in Glasgow with injury problems and claims that they are more interested in league survival than in scalping Rangers - like they did back in 1985, winning 2-1 on aggregate.

But Ferguson added in the Rangers News: "It's going to be very tough for us over the two legs.

"We have sat down and watched videos of them in action and they have done well in the Uefa Cup this season, even if they have had a few poor league results in Spain.

"But it's a game we are all looking forward to. If we play the way we can, then we have a decent chance of progressing.

"We are at home first and we have to have a go at them. You need to keep an eye on the back door, but the second leg will be tough. As long as we play like we did against Hapoel, then I feel we have a chance of getting into the last eight.

"We were excellent in that game and, with another big Ibrox crowd behind us, we'll be looking to hit that kind of performance again."