The 24-year-old endured a difficult evening in the 2-2 draw with Hearts, with Ferguson particularly critical of his performance and body language.

And the former Rangers midfielder believes Derek McInnes should have acted much earlier, admitting he would have withdrawn Fernandez before half-time.

Speaking on BBC Sportsound, Ferguson said: “Hearts were brilliant but Rangers it’s food for thought for Saturday against Aberdeen because I thought Derek McInnes was slow to make changes.

“You look at Fernandez; I can’t believe he played 90 minutes, he was woeful; I would have taken him off in the first half. His body language was all over the place, his overall play. It doesn’t give the rest of the players confidence round about him.

“Makhanya was Rangers’ best player, he’s got a lot to deal with when he’s got someone to his right hand side like that who is so poor.”

Ferguson’s criticism comes ahead of Saturday’s clash with Aberdeen, with McInnes facing a decision over the make-up of his defence.