Michael Beale reveals timeline for Rangers decision on Steven Davis’ future
A decision over the future of “class act” Steven Davis at Rangers isn’t expected until Christmas, according to manager Michael Beale.
The midfielder’s contract at Ibrox expired this summer, however, he is continuing to rehabilitate with the club after suffering a double ACL tear last December.
And Beale has suggested there could very well be a future for the 38-year-old who he spoke highly of, although that decision won’t come anytime soon.
“Steven Davis is here trying to overcome the long-term injury. He’s been out on the pitch and naturally, at his age and with the injury he’s got, there have been complications,” the Gers boss told the media, in quotes reported by the Daily Record (26 August).
“We’ll be nearing towards Christmas before we can see Steven and at that point we’ll make a decision. It’s very open at the minute. He’s fantastic to have around. I actually felt we could have really done with him on the pitch on Tuesday night because it was the type of game that someone with his experience would put their foot on the ball and make passes.
“Just having him there to bounce things off time and again or for his teammates to get a little bit of a reference from is really important. He’s an absolute class act.”
One last dance
With his contract expiring just a matter of months after, when Gers supporters discovered the Northern Ireland captain had picked up an injury in December, particularly one as serious as a double ACL tear, they probably assumed they had seen him play his final game in a Rangers shirt.
However, Beale’s latest comments imply that might not be the case, and there could still be one last run out for the 38-year-old at Ibrox. While he might not be able to handle as much of a packed schedule as he once could, his experience and professionalism could prove key to have around during the second half of the season.
Davis is someone that young players could learn plenty from, and his leadership behind the scenes and in the locker room might be a crucial factor if Beale’s side find themselves in a title race with Celtic that is going down to the wire.
For now, however, it seems as if recovery is the priority, and rightfully so.
In other Rangers news, another midfielder at the club could be set to leave with a potential suitor readying a bid.