Rangers must not be sentimental with Steven Davis contract because of injury
Rangers fans were devastated to hear that Steven Davis had suffered a serious knee injury earlier this season and would miss the rest of the campaign.
The club’s midfield options took a hit for a period, before Nicolas Raskin’s arrival meant there was more genuine competition for John Lundstram, Glen Kamara and Ryan Jack.
But with his contract set to expire in the summer, and the Northern Ireland international unlikely to play another game for the club before then, a decision must be made on his future.
Michael Beale has made it clear that he is the boss at Ibrox and will have the final say on all things to do with the playing staff.
The futures of Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent have taken up much of the spotlight in recent months, and as star players that is correct. But Beale has been open about the fact Rangers do not “need” them to stay and that life will go on if they opt to leave the club.
If the same type of attitude is taken towards Davis, then it shouldn’t even be a conversation that he shouldn’t receive a new deal at the club despite his excellent attitude off the pitch.
Davis made 15 appearances this season prior to his injury, but many of them came with Kamara and Jack injured and little other option. The season prior, he made just 20 appearances in all competitions (via WhoScored).
He is now 38 years old and with the addition of Raskin plus the development of Alex Lowry, would likely find himself as sixth-choice midfielder at the club.
As someone who is considered as a modern day icon at the club, it would certainly be a tough decision to make, but whether or not Davis opts to continue playing after this most recent injury shouldn’t come into the thought process.
He is way past his best as a player and now after such a serious injury, the chances are he won’t get anywhere near that level ever again.
It would be ruthless, but it would send a message to everyone else at Ibrox that if you’re not of the required level anymore, no matter who you are, that you won’t be able to just stick around and make up the numbers in the squad going forward.
In other Rangers news, pundit takes aim at “disgraceful” Ibrox star as talk over his future rumble on.