The former Ibrox captain hailed the French winger as a potential "difference maker" after his stunning goal against Dundee, insisting Bouanani has the quality and end product to make a massive impact once he gets up to full speed.

Bouanani caught the eye during Rangers' 2-2 draw with Dundee, producing a brilliant equaliser after Bradley Fink had handed the visitors the lead.

Nicolas Raskin looked to have completed the comeback when he fired Rangers ahead in the second half, only for Callum Jones to snatch a point and bring the Light Blues' seven-match winning run to an end.

Despite the frustration of dropping points, Ferguson saw enough from Bouanani to suggest exciting times lie ahead.

Writing in his Daily Record column, Ferguson said: “I understand why he wanted to find a place in the starting XI for Badredine Bouanani and the winger showed why with a stunning equaliser. He then had another terrific effort in the second half which was only kept out the back of Dundee’s net by a top-class save.

“Bouanani looks like a difference maker to me. He has the ability and the end product to make a massive contribution to the team. He’s just been short of playing time so it’s no wonder Del wants to get him up to full speed as quickly as possible.”

With Rangers searching for attacking spark in key moments, Ferguson believes Bouanani could be the man capable of providing it as the campaign gathers momentum.