The midfielder has been left out of the Boro squad since he joined on loan from Gers earlier this summer. He is yet to make a single appearance for his loan club and that has prompted questions.

For Ferguson, the 24-year-old is too good to be wasting away in the stands at the Riverside.

And he reckons the player might be best served returning to Glasgow and give Derek McInnes a fresh option if Boro don't plan to use him properly - or at all.

Speaking on the 5 Stars Podcast, Fergie said: "He has not even kicked a ball, he has not even been on the bench.

"You would need to bring him back, and listen, if he's not going to be part of the plans he needs to go somewhere to play. He is good enough to play.

"Wee Connor, in my opinion, is a really good player. He is at an age where he needs to play every single week.

"If he is not going to get any game time - which I am surprised at Middlesbrough, why would they take him if they are not going to play him?

“You would need to bring him back and maybe try to get him another loan. But, I am surprised he has not played any minutes at all."