David Weir prefers to focus on the game rather than the numbers

Published on Monday 25 July 2011 21:55

RANGERS captain David Weir has dismissed the notion of his appearances for the club being rationed this season, as he gets ready for a European campaign which could see him become the oldest outfield player in the history of the Champions League competition.

Weir, who missed Rangers' SPL opener against Hearts on Saturday because of suspension, will return to action tonight as he leads his team into the first leg of their Champions League third qualifying round tie against Malmo at Ibrox.

The 41-year-old's decision to extend his playing career by signing another one-year contract with Rangers means he could eclipse legendary AC Milan defender Alessandro Costacurta as the oldest outfield player to appear in the group stage of the Champions League - should the SPL title holders make it.

Costacurta was 40 years and 213 days old when he appeared in Milan's match against AEK Athens in 2006, just two days older than the Scot was when he played in Rangers' last group game against Bursaspor last season.

Rangers manager Ally McCoist's pursuit of new central defenders, which saw Romanian international Dorin Goian join the club yesterday, has led to speculation Weir may be used more sparingly in the forthcoming campaign.

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However, the man who made a total of 57 appearances for Rangers and Scotland last season is determined to remain a constant presence at the heart of McCoist's side.

"I want to play in every game, just the same as every other player," said Weir. "I'm not here not to play. The priority for me remains the same, to be picked for every match.

"If you don't play in one, you are disappointed and try to get into the team for the next one.

"I feel better when I am playing and when I am involved in every game. I don't expect to be in the team, I would never say that, but I want to be in the team and earn my place.

"If that's not the case, then there is something wrong with you. Just because I am older, it doesn't change. The age factor, although everyone mentions it, does not change that for me."

He added: "If I wasn't in the team over a period of time then I'd obviously have a problem, just like any player. But you just try and make it hard for the manager to leave you out.

"Whether I play 50 games, 60 games or 30 games this season, time will tell. It's not something I'm dwelling on.

"All I'm thinking of is being in the team against Malmo and trying to qualify for the Champions League."