BLACKBURN Rovers manager Mark Hughes has told Rangers chief Alex McLeish to forget any plans to re-sign Barry Ferguson.

McLeish admitted in the Scottish Press earlier this week that he would love to take Ferguson back to Ibrox.

However, Hughes has issued a polite - but firm - hands-off warning to the Gers boss after insisting that Ferguson remains a major part of his future plans for Rovers.

"I'm sure he was asked the question 'would you like Barry Ferguson back?' and he's given the correct response because Barry is a player that any club manager would want," said Hughes.

"Barry's playing very well for us, I think he's enjoying his football more than in recent times, and we are starting to see the best of him.

"He gives us a lot. He's got great enthusiasm and drive, he's a strong character in the dressing room, and he's a big part of my future plans."

McLeish was the man who sanctioned Ferguson's £7 million move to Rovers in the first place but he did it against his better judgement in order to ease the club's financial problems.

However, the Gers have never fully recovered from his departure which is why their fans would love to see the return of one of their favourite sons.