David Weir warmed by Webster's resurgence with United

IT WAS the one domestic trophy which eluded him this season, but Rangers captain David Weir took almost as much satisfaction from Saturday's Scottish Cup final as the man who did lift the silverware at Hampden.

Andy Webster's successful rehabilitation as one of Scotland's best central defenders was completed in style when he climbed the steps at the National Stadium to take possession of the old trophy as Dundee United captain. He will return to Rangers this summer following a season-long loan spell at Tannadice which saw him finally put several injury-plagued and contractually complicated years behind him. For Weir, who may yet be re-united with Webster at the heart of the Ibrox club's defence next season, the Scottish champions will be re-acquiring a player who would be outwith their means on the open market.

"Rangers probably couldn't afford to go and buy him if they had to, as a player who has just captained a team to third place in the league and won the Scottish Cup," said Weir. "So it has worked out well for everyone. Andy has lifted a trophy and Rangers are getting back a top class international defender.

"He hasn't been around the place for a year, so it will be like a new signing. He has shown what he is capable of and is one of the top defenders in the league. So we will be getting back the real Andy Webster, if you like.

"Andy needed to go and play. He's had a stop-start career since he left Hearts for a lot of different reasons. For me, Andy is a top defender. He can definitely be a great attribute to Rangers. I played with him for Scotland several years ago and I thought then he was destined for the very top. It's nice to see him getting back on track, playing every week and being part of a successful team. He is getting that experience and getting his confidence back. It can only be good for him and, hopefully, for Rangers. I'd love to play beside him again. As I say, I played alongside him before and enjoyed it. But, as far as I'm aware, Madjid Bougherra and Danny Wilson are both still Rangers players. They would have something to say about that. No-one knows what is going to happen over the next few weeks, but Rangers currently have a lot of options in that department."

Proving his physical fitness was the main aim for Webster after knee, ankle and hernia problems had restricted him to just 11 senior appearances in the previous three seasons. But Weir believes the mental fortitude displayed by the 28-year-old former Hearts and Wigan player has been just as significant.

"There is nothing surer than getting disappointments in football," added Weir. "What separates the good players from the bad players is how you respond to them. Andy has had more than his fair share of setbacks and you could tell how much it meant to him to lift the cup at the weekend.

"That's partly a result of what he has been through. He's seen a darker side of it and missed a lot of football. All of those things do test you and I'm sure they do make you stronger and appreciate what you can do.

"It was devastating for him, but these things do happen in football. A cruciate injury is a massive blow and takes some getting over. Andy has had a catalogue of problems, so you'd think he has used up all his bad luck. Hopefully he can have some good times now."

In Webster's absence, 18-year-old Wilson emerged as another excellent central defensive option for Rangers manager Walter Smith. Such were the level of his performances, Liverpool are currently trying to secure a deal to take Wilson south. In accepting the Young Player of the Year award from the Scottish Football Writers' Association earlier this month, the teenager spoke warmly of the influence Weir has had on his development. Yesterday, the veteran predictably played down his own part in Wilson's successful breakthrough. "I'm not claiming any credit for Danny," said Weir. "

All the credit goes to Danny as far as I'm concerned. He's the one who has taken advice on board and made the right decisions."

Asked what advice he would give Wilson over his prospective transfer to Anfield, Weir hinted at the view his young team-mate may be best served by at least another year in the first team at Ibrox. "There is a balance between wanting to play first-team football and wanting to go and test himself at the highest possible level," said Weir. "Whatever path he follows, I'm sure he will make a success of it. I think it's a great position for him to be in. I wish it was me."