Ferguson returned to the first team in the latter stages of last season after being stripped of the captaincy and banned by the club for his part in the infamous 'Boozegate' affair.

However, a question mark still hangs over his Rangers future and he could yet head for the exit door before the new SPL campaign gets under way.

The 31-year-old could even be set for a surprise return to the Premier League, with Birmingham boss Alex McLeish refusing to rule out a move for the player he brought back to Rangers from Blackburn in 2005.

"Fergie is a top player, he is a top lad," said Thomson of his fellow midfielder.

"He is friends with a lot of the boys at the club. I've been here for three years now and I've got to know him well.

"He is a top player and I've never said anything different. It would be a blow to lose any of your top players but it's a situation that doesn't really involve the players.

"It's something that will be sorted out between him and his advisors and the club. If he's here, great. If he's not, we have to move on."

One player who would arguably be a much bigger loss to Rangers is Steven Davis, who has also been linked with a return south of the border.

Reports at the weekend suggested the Northern Ireland international could be the subject of a £5million bid from Sunderland.

Thomson admits he is not surprised the midfielder has been linked with a move back to England's top flight.

"Steve is a top player and I'm sure he will be linked with a lot of clubs," he said.

"He was absolutely fantastic last season and most of the boys at Murray Park would be delighted to keep him.

"Hopefully I will see him on July 9 and fingers crossed he will be playing for Rangers next season."