Ferguson, a seven-cap Scotland international from 1992 until 1997, played for Everton and Newcastle United after leaving Rangers.
He is currently working as a pundit for ITV during the World Cup, having previously coached the Toffees on an interim basis before short managerial spells at Forest Green and Inverness.
Speaking after Uruguay’s 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia on Monday, Ferguson discussed Scotland’s 1-0 win against Haiti and previewed their next group-stage game – facing Morocco in Boston tomorrow night (11pm).
The 54-year-old is expecting a different type of match, admitting that Hirst may be better suited to leading the line than new Rangers signing Lawrence Shankland, which would hand Town’s no.9 his World Cup debut for Steve Clarke’s side.
“I would probably take big Shankland off,” Ferguson said. “I don’t think he’d suit this game. If we were sitting back, he wouldn’t offer a counterattacking threat.
“I’d maybe bring in one of the quicker players. Maybe Hirst, for instance, who’s a bit more mobile.
“That’s the way I see the game. I think Morocco will have most of the possession, because Haiti out-possessed Scotland in the last game. If Haiti out-possessed Scotland, Morocco will definitely out-possess us.
“We’ll have to defend very well off the ball, and we’ll need a threat up front and a bit of pace in behind.”
