Rangers ‘legend’ Steven Davis tipped for new contract amid ‘impact’ verdict
It “makes sense” for Rangers to re-sign Steven Davis to a new contract as the “legend” returns from injury, according to Alex Crook.
The talkSPORT reporter told GIVEMESPORT (1 August) that the 38-year-old, whose current deal expired along with a host of teammates this summer but has remained at the club while he rehabs a torn ACL, could “still make an impact off the bench” and has significant dressing room value.
Michael Beale extended Ryan Jack’s deal by a year and is on the brink of adding Jose Cifuentes to his midfield, with the Ecuador international arriving in Glasgow Wednesday (2 August), but veteran Davis could yet remain in the mix.
On a new Davis deal Crook said: “I think that makes sense. You can’t have enough of those types of characters in the dressing room.
“He’s a bit of a legend in the eyes of the fans. And maybe he can still make an impact, albeit possibly coming off the bench. But I can see them attempting that.”
Sign-off
A contract extension must be the intention, recovery permitting, for Davis given Filip Helander was let go when his deal expired despite having been absent from the team for the entire season with a serious injury of his own.
If the Northern-Ireland international does rejoin the squad his playing opportunities are sure to be limited, with Cifuentes, Jack and Nico Raskin all in line for starts.
Glen Kamara and John Lundstram are also still available although the Finn is still subject of talks with Leeds United, and the Englishman has been mooted for a possible departure by Barry Ferguson [Daily Record, 28 July].
Even if both the exit-linked duo leave before the close of the window it is likely to be late substitute appearances and potential cup games where Beale feels he can rest his starters that Davis will have his eye on for action.
But at his age, and with the alternative being that his Rangers career ends on a sour note amid a serious injury in a trophy-less season, that may be enough for him.
The manager is sure to value his leadership even if he doesn’t play, especially having lost senior men such as Allan McGregor and Scott Arfield.
So if the wage bill can accommodate Davis after all the transfer business is concluded there is logic to keeping him in place on a short-term deal.
In other Rangers news, one piece of Light Blues transfer business this summer has been trashed by a BBC pundit.