Ally McCoist has revealed Barry Ferguson told him a selection secret before the Europa League match between Fenerbahce and Rangers.
The TNT Sports co-commentator revealed he was fully aware that Ferguson would raise eyebrows by changing to a back three for the round of 16 tie.
Rangers had previously played with a back four but Ferguson changed to go with three central defenders with two wing backs in Istanbul.
James Tavernier, Robin Propper and John Souttar were selected in central defence with Jefte and Ridvan Yilmaz on either flank.
Ferguson had teased a selection surprise before the match as he told club media: "I don't want to give too much away. You've got to be respectful of the opponent.
"I'm sure you might see a few surprises tonight."
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McCoist, though, knew a back three was coming as he revealed on-air that Ferguson had confirmed his suspicions pre-match.
The Ibrox icon had quizzed Ferguson on a system swap ahead of kick-off with Ferguson offering a telling nod of the head as he kept the formation change under wraps in interviews.
"Can I let you into a little secret?
"I said to Barry just after his interview with Connie, 'Are you going with a three?'.
"And he looked at me and nodded. I knew. I'm an old boys' brigade boy, you know the rules.
"I just had a wee sneaky [feeling], Rory. I don't know why."
