Barry Ferguson has urged Sir David Murray to provide Rangers with greater financial latitude to end two trophyless seasons at Ibrox.

With second place in the Bank of Scotland Premierleague virtually secured after the 1-0 win against St Mirren at the weekend, coupled with Aberdeen's 4-2 defeat to Dundee United, the Rangers captain expects "big changes" during the summer transfer window.

The level of expenditure, he believes, will determine whether Walter Smith will provide tangible evidence of Rangers' recovery in his second season in charge. Since leaving his post as Scotland national coach, Smith has stabilised a club that threatened to unravel during Paul Le Guen's short-lived reign.

It is understood that he has recommended at least five areas of priority strengthening and his captain has called on the Rangers chairman to support the recovery with a higher level of expenditure than during the prudent period necessitated by debts of £80m.

"I hope, if we finish second, the manager gets the money he needs to bring the players he wants in," said Ferguson. "Next season we have to produce a trophy, no doubt about it. Two years without one is a long time and Celtic have been by far the better team. Next year we have got to be pushing them right to the wire.

"We have been in a drought for the last couple of years and nobody is more determined to get the trophies back than me. There will be big changes and of course it's do-able."

Seven wins from nine league matches since Smith took charge of the side have helped restore respectability and, after bolstering the squad with the acquisition of David Weir, Ugo Ehiogu and Andy Webster, the manager has also taken a long-term approach by signing Alan Gow, of Falkirk, and Kirk Broadfoot, of St Mirren, on pre-contract agreements. While many have questioned their suitability, Ferguson believes they can develop in the newly-enhanced environment at Murray Park.

"We need to build for the future. It's a big difference coming from any club," he said. "A lot of people come from abroad and don't realise how big a club this is. You are under pressure in every single game. In nine league games under Walter we have won seven and drawn two, but even that is not good enough or acceptable."

Ferguson's return from Blackburn Rovers was the last major transfer made the Ibrox club, and funded by the sale of Jean-Alain Boumsong to Newcastle United for a ridiculous £8m. Since then, Alex McLeish, Le Guen and now Smith have had to operate within a modest budget.

The acquisition of Weir, age 36, on a free transfer from Everton has proved an astute piece of business and the Scotland veteran's instant success has led to fresh negotiations on an extended stay. Though Ferguson is keen on a high-quality replacement for the outgoing Dado Prso, he is confident in Smith's ability to procure some more bargains to ensure a sustained championship challenge next season.

"I know it's not the way it was before," said Ferguson, who flourished during the extravagant era of Dutchman Dick Advocaat. "The chairman has stressed we cannot spend the same amount of money as before, but if anybody criticises the signing of big Davie, I don't know why. As long as they can do a job, I am not bothered if they are 36 or cost £100,000."

Ferguson's admits that the contribution and enthusiasm shown by his senior Scotland colleague has taken him by surprise. "I did not realise how good David was until he came here. With Scotland, we only meet up for four or five days, but watching him train every day I can see he is so professional and I hope he stays another year. Walter identified the need for experience and he has been fantastic. He trains every day with the same intensity he plays with."

Aberdeen's challenge for second place and entry to the Champions League qualifiers may have faltered, but Rangers' recent drab draw against Inverness Caledonian Thistle is a warning of the dangers of complacency. They will enter the post-split fixtures after Tennent's Scottish Cup weekend and Ferguson is determined to take care of business before the final day of the season, when Rangers visit Pittodrie. "I do not fancy going there on the last game of the season with all to play for, so we need to keep picking up the wins between now and then," he said. "There are five games to go and I would like it wrapped up sooner rather than later.

"We never know what might have happened if we'd beaten Inverness, but that's gone now. St Mirren were fighting for their lives on Sunday and the win was more important than getting the ball down on a poor pitch.

"Reaching the Champions League is a big thing for the club and it will give us money to buy a few new players. Teams like ourselves and Celtic have done great in the past couple of seasons and you want to be there as a player."

Ferguson has overcome his traumatic start to the New Year and has won over many who held him responsible for the demise of the Le Guen era. The Frenchman accused the then-deposed captain of undermining his authority, but these days Ferguson wears the look of a relieved and vindicated man.

"I have no problem with people criticising me, I have grown to accept it," he said.

"I respond by giving 100%, even if there are people who are quick to judge me."