Barry Ferguson has experienced both the highs and lows of playing for Rangers against Celtic.

The former Ibrox captain has thrived in the intense atmosphere but admits himself there have been times the occasion has gotten the better of him.

That's why he has sent a warning to Scottish football "pantomime villain" Todd Cantwell ahead of the trip to Celtic Park this weekend.

Ferguson reckons Cantwell's creativity in the final third could be vital for Rangers in the powderkeg clash but is well aware the midfielder could also be the target of jeers on and off the park.

And the former Ibrox skipper is keen for Cantwell to avoid the pain of being sent off against Celtic - a painful memory he still recalls from 2000 when he was ordered off for two yellow cards in a 6-2 loss.

Insisting there is "no lonelier place in football" than on the walk up the tunnel after a red card in a derby encounter, Ferguson urged Cantwell to show the mental strength required to avoid getting involved in any flashpoints.

READ MORE: Five things Rangers must do to beat Celtic at Parkhead

In his Daily Record column, Ferguson wrote: "Todd Cantwell appears to have developed into the pantomime villain of Scottish football with fans of every team apart from Rangers lining up to give him abuse.

"And there’s no doubt he’ll get it tight from 60,000 Celtic supporters at lunchtime on Saturday. It’s going to take real mental strength for the Rangers playmaker to block it out and concentrate on doing what he does best, which is bringing energy and creativity to a team that is thriving under Philippe Clement."

However, Ferguson did admit Cantwell appears to thrive in the "rollercoaster ride" of playing for Rangers.

And the pundit is confident Cantwell could be the "spark" to unlock Celtic and lead Philippe Clement's men to triumph this weekend.

He added: "That’s the rollercoaster ride that comes with being at the Old Firm and Cantwell seems to thrive on the experience.

 

"Yes, he can get involved in the odd bit of silliness that makes him a target, but he can play and right now he is the creative spark that is vital to this run Rangers take into the Old Firm clash."