Barry Ferguson says he "couldn't have asked more" from the players on his first day in charge of Rangers.

The former Gers captain was appointed as the club's interim head coach until the end of the season on Monday, following the departure of Philippe Clement.

The Belgian was dismissed on Sunday following a 2-0 home defeat to St Mirren, having also lost to second-tier Queen's Park in the Scottish Cup a few days earlier.

Rangers are 13 points adrift of Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic but will, nevertheless, be eager to enjoy a strong finish to the season.

Ferguson, who played over 400 games for Rangers across two spells, will travel to Kilmarnock for his first match in charge, and insists the squad know what is expected of them.

"I was straightforward with the players," he told reporters during his pre-match press conference. "This is a brilliant place to be. You're lucky to be here. Look at the facilities, look at the stadium.

"I feel like it's going to be a good place to be. I felt a difference today, and it's important for me to carry that on. 

"I need to get a kick out of these guys, and they certainly gave me a reaction this morning. I couldn't have asked more of them."

"I've only had one training session, but I'm not going to use that as an excuse. We've not filled them with too much info because it's too short notice, but they understand the way we're going to go.

"I expect them to win games of football and give me everything they've got. They fully understand my expectations of them."

Ferguson's appointment came as a surprise, not least to himself, given he had been out of coaching for three years since his departure from part-time Alloa Athletic.

Nevertheless, the ex-midfielder did not hesitate when offered the opportunity to turn around the fortunes of his former club.

"It only took five mins to agree to become interim manager," he added. "Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I have no issue with that.

"I would rather be judged come the end of the season, but I know I will be judged game by game. This is the nature of the beast here at Glasgow Rangers."