The UEFA rule of teams having to register their squads at the start of the season has been blasted by both Barry Ferguson and Peter Grant.

It comes as Rangers get set to take on Sparta Prague in the Europa League and the former Ibrox captain feels Philippe Clement has been hamstrung by injuries and the selections made by former boss Michael Beale.

Borna Barisic is unavailable for the fixture, and with natural replacement Ridvan Yilmaz not included in the squad, Ferguson and Grant feel Clement is at a disadvantage.

Speaking on Go Radio, Grant said: "It's a joke. You could have 40 player or 50 players, I don't care.

READ MORE: Jack Butland pinpoints Philippe Clement's areas of Rangers improvement

"What are these young boys doing in the B teams? Say one is playing particularly well. 'Aw but we named the squad at the start of the season so you've no chance of playing in Europe son.'

"We'd have never played in Europe if the manager named it at the start of the season. If you're a signed Rangers player, you should be able to pull on the jersey no matter what game it is.

"It's a ridiculous rule. You shouldn't be telling anyone they need to name a European squad at the start of the season. Come on."

Ferguson also voiced his displeasure at the rule, saying:"What if you collect a number of injuries? You've not got enough players to play with.

|It's a crazy rule. If you've got a squad of 25 or 26, you should be allowed to use it. In any game."