Former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson has hailed former derby rival Scott Brown as he closes in on his final appearance for the club.
The Celtic skipper will make his final appearance for the club against Hibs this week as he prepares to link up with Stephen Glass at Aberdeen, with tributes left at Celtic Park ahead of his final home game on Wednesday against St Johnstone.
Ferguson told the Go Radio Football Show that he was surprised that Brown couldn't agree new terms to keep him in Glasgow's east end.
Ferguson star also discussed an incident revealed by Record Sport following the 4-1 thrashing on derby day, involving Brown and a high ranking Rangers official inside the tunnel.
The ex-Ibrox skipper and columnist insists there should be respect on both sides of the divide following the powderkeg fixture.
Ferguson said: "I think he has been a fantastic player for Celtic and has improved as he got older.
"I think everybody would agree with that comment I've just made. I think when he first came he was a different of player.
"He was an in your face, box-to-box midfielder and as he's got older he's been playing that number six role and been a top performer.
"The amount of games he has played, the amount of trophies he has won, I think he deserves and excellent send off. It's just a pity the fans won't be there to thank him.
"I'm surprised he wasn't given another year at Celtic. I think he will go up to Aberdeen and get a new start.
"We gave each other a few boots over the years. You go to war for 93, 94 minutes, but when it's over and you walk up that tunnel and the respect is still there."
He then discussed the Record Sport revelation and insisted there is no place for it in the Rangers and Celtic rivalry.
Ferguson added: "In the heat of the battle you have a wee pop at each other but after you walk up the tunnel the respect is always there, at least it certainly was on my side."
