Rangers offer Thomas Bendiksen contract extension

RANGERS hope to agree a contract extension with Norwegian midfielder Thomas Bendiksen, manager Ally McCoist said yesterday.

The 22-year-old has been impressive recently, helping Rangers retain top spot in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League ahead of Saturday’s fixture with Inverness.

McCoist has already indicated talks are imminent with American midfielder Maurice Edu and Northern Ireland striker Kyle Lafferty. Now Bendiksen appears set to be offered new terms, with his current six-month deal poised to finish at the end of this month.

McCoist told Rangers TV’s Blues News: “We’ve always known about Thomas’ talent, this isn’t a surprise to us. I’m delighted the lad’s now fit and he’s got an opportunity to express himself. We’re just pleased he’s back in the swing of things after the best part of two years of injuries. Hopefully that’s all behind him.

“I’ve spoken to his agent myself on a couple of occasions. He is very keen for Thomas to stay, we’re keen for Thomas to stay, hopefully Thomas is keen to stay, too. Negotiations have already started and hopefully we can get him on a long-term contract.”