Ian Baraclough backs Steven Davis to sign new deal with Rangers
Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough says he sees no reason why Steven Davis shouldn’t be given a new deal at Rangers, despite being 37.
Davis struggled with injuries this season and made 26 appearances in all competitions during the season, with 11 of those coming in 2022.
That was enough for Baraclough to name him in his squad for the upcoming international games next month, and he believes that despite being 37-years-old he still has plenty to offer to Rangers if they decide to give him a new contract, with his current deal due to expire at the end of June.
“I haven’t had conversations with Steven on his contract talks or whether he’s talking to other clubs,” he said, as quoted by The Sun.
“But if he is fit and firing – and I think he’s in great shape – I see no reason why he can’t go and sign a new deal for Rangers and have a massive impact next season.
“There’ll be many managers, whether in the Championship in England or top leagues around Europe, who will be envious that Rangers have the chance to re-sign Steven.
“He is a top, top player and he shows his quality time and time again. For me, he still has a big part to play for both club and country.”
Experience
There are some things in football you can’t buy, and experience at a football club is one of them. Davis has that in abundance.
Despite his age he has shown that he is more than capable of being a member in the squad, with the manager leaning on that experience towards the end of the season.
In a period where the squad needs refreshing, there is more than enough reason to get rid of him and replace him with more legs and someone fitter and fresher.
But they would lose that presence in the dressing room, that person who knows how to get the job done in tough times. He’s a top professional and an example for all the younger players to follow too.
It’s a decision that must be made by the boss and whether he trusts the other senior players to step up into that role, or whether he feels that Davis has done enough to earn an extra year at the club.
In other Rangers news, this first-team loanee has said his goodbyes on social media.