Manager Walter Smith revealed the 38-year-old's professionalism and attitude made him stand out from most players he has managed.

Ferguson will be out for up to three months of the season after having an operation on Monday.

Smith said: "David Weir will captain the team while Barry Ferguson is injured. He has done it before. David was a big part of our major success last season. It is not an easy decision for any manager to make or even talk about when it comes to a player's age but he deserves tremendous credit.

"Initially we signed him for a year and he did really well for us but it is starting to come into the equation when you get to 38.

"Paolo Maldini is 40, was going to retire and then changed his mind so you have to compliment these guys for the discipline and professionalism. Good luck to all of these guys but nobody deserves it more than big Davie for the way he conducts himself. I have not come across a more honest professional. He is a great man but he has a lot about him as well – he does not like losing."

Smith initially worked with Weir when he signed him for Everton from Hearts in 1999. The defender spent eight years at Goodison before returning north of the Broder to join Rangers. He helped the Ibrox club win both the CIS Cup and the Scottish Cup last season and was a key member of the team that reached the UEFA Cup final in Manchester. He recently signed a new one-year contract with Rangers.