Ferguson had a vintage season in 2002/03, hitting 18 goals for Rangers and securing a £7.5million move to Blackburn in the following summer.

That was the only campaign of his career in which he has hit double figures, and he has since struggled for goals. In his two full seasons since returning from Blackburn, the Scotland skipper has contributed a total of 12 goals.

But Ferguson, 29, is occupying a more advanced role in Walter Smith's new-look side.

And a classy double on the opening day of the new Clydesdale Bank Premier League season at Inverness was the perfect way to illustrate his new threat.

"It was great to score twice against Inverness at the weekend," Ferguson told Rangers News.

"I'm really enjoying playing in this advanced role and I feel I'm going to get my share of the goals.

"I'm hoping to get at least 15 this season so that was a good start. I'm in great shape and I've had an injury-free pre-season so everything is looking good."

While Ferguson aims to be a regular on the scoresheet, new club-mate Lee McCulloch has warned against expecting too many goals from himself.

The £2.25million recruit from Wigan began his career as a striker but has settled into an attacking midfield role.

He has been briefly used as a targetman this season, but will treat goals as a bonus.

McCulloch said: "I might not get bundles of goals but I think I can help other people.

"It's a big part of my game allied to the hard work that I put into each match."

However McCulloch is hoping to get off the mark for Scotland soon, having won 11 caps without finding the net.

He said: "I'm at the stage where I am now really looking for my first goal for my country and I feel I have to show more.

"I feel I have not yet shown the form that I can for my country. I don't think I have achieved my full potential for Scotland and I can't really put my finger on why."