Rangers skipper Barry Ferguson will return to action in a reserve match on Tuesday after almost four months on the sidelines.

But Walter Smith has confirmed there is little chance of the midfielder making his first-team comeback against Hamilton on Saturday.

The 30-year-old will line up against St Mirren reserves at Love Street as he continues to build up his fitness following pre-season ankle surgery.

Smith is delighted to have his captain on the verge of a comeback, with the Ibrox clash against Inverness on November 1 the match likely to herald his first-team return.

The Ibrox manager told the club's official website: "Barry's excited about getting back. He needs a few games given the period of time he has been out.

"He has stepped up his training and he is into the football side of things, so we look forward to him getting a game at St Mirren.

"He is a big influence on us overall so we will be delighted to get him back.

"Now it's just a matter of getting Barry fully fit - that's the main thing.

"He will need two or three games before he is up to speed and I think Hamilton on Saturday will be a bit early for him."

The match kicks off at 2pm at Love Street and supporters can pay in at the gate for £4, or £2 for children.