STAND-IN skipper David Weir can't wait to hand back the armband to Barry Ferguson - because it will deliver a massive shot in the arm for Rangers title surge.

Fit-again Fergie is expected to make his long-awaited return to the Gers first team against Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Saturday at Ibrox.

But Weir has been an oustanding stand-in for the blues skipper during his four month lay-off after ankle surgery.

Ferguson almost came off the bench after the break last night after Pedro Mendes had suffered a first-half knock in the 2-0 Co-operative Insurance Cup canter over Hamilton Accies.

And Weir is clearly looking forward to the 30-year-old's reintroduction to the fray against the Highlanders. He said: "I've loved being the captain in Barry's absence, but I'll be delighted to give up the armband again because it will mean Barry is fit enough to take his place back in the team.

"Barry has faced a frustrating spell out with injury and I know how keen he is to be involved as quickly as possible."

Despite his undisputed status as Ibrox elder statesman the 38-year-old is in no doubt that he has learned from the experience of skippering Gers during Fergie's rehab.

Weir said: "I've tried to learn from the experience of leading the team and aimed to help people when I could but Barry is a fantastic footballer and he'll be a welcome addition to the squad again.

"But we enjoyed success in this competition last year and it is great to be just one match away from another Hampden final," Weir told Rangers Media.

Meanwhile, Rangers gaffer Walter Smith has scotched reports that Gers are ready to show left back Stevie Smith the Ibrox exit door.

The 23-year-old has endured a horrific two year spell with injury forcing him out of the first team picture.

But Walter is adamant that his only planned exit strategy for Smith is a loan spell in a bid to increase the momentum of his return to full fitness with competitive match time.

The Gers boss said: "I have these reports and I don't know where they have come from but certainly not from the club. Steven has been out for two years and it is obvious it will take time for him to get back to full fitness.

"He has had a few reserve games under his belt but they are not the same as competitive game time which is what he needs now. In that respect we would consider him going out on loan but that is all.

"I really don't know where these reports have come from other than that they have emanated from the player himself.

"If that is the case then maybe he has jumped the gun or is trying to jump the ship!" Smith added: "But after such a long spell out it takes time to get everything back and Steven knows that.

"We have said nothing about him leaving the club."