Rangers urged to give out of contract 'Champions League level' star a new deal

Rangers have been urged to hand Steven Davis a new contract as they prepare for a return to Champions League football.

Rangers midfielder Steven Davis, poised to make his 300th appearance for the club against Motherwell on Sunday, is out of contract at the end of the season. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)

The 36-year-old midfielder has been outstanding for the Ibrox side this season as they have established a huge lead at the top of the Premiership table to close in on a first title in a decade and he is poised to make his 300th appearance for the club against Motherwell at Fir Park on Sunday.

Northern Ireland captain Davis is out of contract in the summer but his assistant-manager with his national team, former Rangers defender Jimmy Nicholl, believes he can remain an invaluable part of Steven Gerrard’s squad as they eye participation in the group stage of Europe’s elite club competition next season.

“Steven is so fit, he hardly gets injured,” says Nicholl. “I can’t see any reason why he can’t play for another three or four seasons, I really don’t.

“The most important thing about playing Champions League football is keeping the ball and that is one of Steven’s biggest strengths.

“He will go and receive the ball under pressure, whether a game is going well or not, and play a simple pass just to keep the team ticking over. Those kinds of players are just so crucial at Champions League level.

“It would be really difficult for Rangers to find another player with the same ability to operate in those type of games as Steven Davis. I’ve watched him do it for Northern Ireland against some of the best teams in the world. I’ve got no doubt he has plenty left in the tank to keep doing it with Rangers.”

'A manager's dream': The story behind Steven Davis as he closes in on huge Rangers milestone

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