Ally McCoist insists Barry Ferguson must tread carefully when considering the immediate future of Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland.
After a string of high-profile errors this season, the former England, Stoke City and Crystal Palace keeper has copped criticism from the stands, and from pundits.
Butland was Rangers' Player of the Year last season.
Now, his form has seen some calls for No.2 Liam Kelly to be drafted in.
McCoist has warned that dropping the first-pick could 'finish him' at Ibrox.
However, conceded that the 32-year-old is damaging himself and the team with his spate of mistakes.
Read more:
-
Rangers hero Ally McCoist admits nerves while interviewing Prince William
-
Rangers vs Athletic Club: TV channel, live stream & kick-off
"This is a real balancing act because if you take him out of the team, you could finish him," he told talkSPORT BET. "But equally, if you leave him in the team and he continues to make mistakes, not only are you damaging him, but you are also damaging the team and the results.
"Not being privy to sitting down and having a chat with him and seeing where he is, that would have a massive bearing on playing him or not.
"You need to see where his head is, see how he's feeling, and then you make a decision."