Steven Davis says he had to put his career first when deciding on his Rangers future

FORMER Rangers captain Steven Davis claimed he had to put his career first after turning down a move to the newco Rangers.

FORMER Rangers captain Steven Davis claimed he had to put his career first after turning down a move to the newco Rangers.

• Davis is one of eight players to confirm his objection to transferring his contract from Rangers to Charles Green’s Sevco company

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The Northern Ireland international, who joined Rangers in 2008, captained the club through four months of administration but Green’s application to join the Scottish Premier League looks doomed and he could be forced to relaunch the club in the Irn-Bru Third Division.

In a statement published, Davis said: “Only those who know me will know how much Rangers mean to me.

“I signed a new contract last year, giving my best years to the club in the knowledge we’d be challenging for leagues and cups and in Europe year after year. That’s the reason I came to Rangers.

“My young family love life in Scotland but after all that’s gone on since administration in February there came a point when I needed to make a decision based on what was best for my short career.

“I am 27 and need to be playing at the highest possible level.”

Davis and goalkeeper Allan McGregor confirmed their intention to leave last night along with midfielder Jamie Ness and forward Kyle Lafferty.

They followed Rhys McCabe, Sone Aluko, Steven Whittaker and Steven Naismith in objecting to the transfer of their contracts. PFA Scotland believe they are all free agents and can transfer to new clubs without compensation.

Lee Wallace yesterday pledged to stay but the only other player to have stated an intention to remain is Lee McCulloch and he subsequently expressed frustration over a lack of information from Green.

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John Fleck is reported to be on the verge of leaving amid similar frustration and others could follow before pre-season training starts tomorrow.

Romanian defender Dorin Goian could stay, but that situation may change if a plan to put Rangers in the First Division fails.