Former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson believes Steven Gerrard's side are "a different animal" ready to challenge for trophies should they overcome their current away day blues.

The Ibrox outfit are yet to win on the road this season in the Premiership but have a 100 per cent record in Govan.

This weekend Rangers visit Hamilton as they look to overcome their travel sickness.

They will do so without Kyle Lafferty, who is unavailable after the Irish FA invoked FIFA's five-day rule to block the striker returning to action immediately.

Speaking at the launch of the Star Sixes, Ferguson said Lafferty's omission is a blow for Gerrard, but one they must shrug off as they search for a crucial first away win.

"It's disappointing," he said. "Rangers are going to be missing an important player for a hard game.

"Kyle was a big signing for Rangers but they just need to dust themselves down.

"Rangers are a different animal under Steven Gerrard.

"At home, the form has been excellent, it's just the away form they to sort out.

"As soon as they get that first win, then they can start to mount a serious challenge. If they get the away form right, they can certainly challenge as it's a different Rangers for me."

Ferguson played for Rangers, Birmingham and Scotland under current national team boss Alex McLeish.

The Scots' dismal defeat in Israel saw McLeish come in for heavy criticism.

Ferguson, however, is convinced his former manager can turn things around.

"I do still believe Alex is the man, he needs time.

"I believe we have good enough players to certainly beat Israel and Albania in the next double-header. Alex will be hurting, he knows he needs to win the next two games as it's a results-driven business.

"But we have some quality players, it's just finding a system that suits these guys, once he gets that we'll do well."

Ferguson has been out of management since leaving Clyde last year.

The ex-Scotland international has held talks with Kelty Hearts and is currently mulling over an offer having been blown away by the Lowland League outfit's ambition.

"I was taken aback by there ambition, it shone through," he added. "It excites me, I miss coaching after being out of the game for 16 months. Hopefully, we'll sort something out in the next 24-48 hours."

The Star Sixes will see former pros reunited in national team colours for a six-a-side tournament at the Hydro in January.

Ferguson, Simon Donnelly, Robert Douglas and Jackie McNamara will represent Scotland, while Robert Pires captains a Rest of the World side featuring Jorg Albertz, Marco Negri and Stillyan Petrov. Elsewhere, Michael Owen stars for England.