Rangers will be ready when football resumes, insists Steven Davis

Rangers midfielder Steven Davis says the Ibrox club's players will be ready to go if the season resumes. Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

The veteran midfielder and the rest of the Ibrox squad have been placed on lockdown by the Government’s strict measures aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus threat.

As things stand, football in Scotland is on hold until 30 April at the earliest.

But Hampden chiefs admit it is likely to be a lot later before clubs north of the border are given the green light to start playing again.

However, Northern Ireland skipper Davis is confident the personal training regimes drawn up by Steven Gerrard’s backroom staff will ensure the players are in top condition once the traps finally open.

The 35-year-old said: “As players we’re in constant contact with the club as things progress.

“We’ve been given specific fitness and dietary programmes to follow in the coming weeks to enable us to be in the best physical  condition possible to be ready for the challenges of the current season being played out to an end.”

The row over how the Scottish season should be settled continues to rumble on.

Celtic boss Neil Lennon has already said his side should be crowned champions if it is decided to scrap this term’s remaining fixtures.

But Ibrox managing director Stewart Robertson insists all 38 rounds must be fulfilled, while Hearts have warned they are ready to go to court if they end up being relegated without kicking another ball.

Davis toed the company line as he called for the campaign to be completed – but only once it is safe to allow fans back into stadiums.

He said: “Rangers wouldn’t exist without its fans, therefore I personally do not believe games should be played behind closed doors.

“Hopefully this season can be played to a finish at the earliest but safest opportunity.”

In all likelihood, it will be weeks if not months before the nation is in a position to stage major events.

And Davis is urging the Ibrox faithful to batten down the hatches while the fight against the killer disease is stepped up.

“There is a lot of uncertainty and worry for everyone around the world right now and I know what an institution like Rangers means to our loyal fans but football must be secondary right now and it’s vital we follow the advice of the Government to get this virus under control,” he said.

“Football and sport in general play a massive role for the health and well-being for millions around the world, both physically and mentally, and this virus is impacting everyone in all aspects of life.

“Naturally we are all concerned for our family, friends and loved ones but hopefully in time we’ll be able to get back to normality and – for us as players and fans – get back to the joy of being back out on the pitch and supporting  our team.

“Stay safe, follow government guidelines and look after yourself. I’d also like to say thank you to the NHS staff, and all key workers across the UK for the incredible work they are doing.”

Meanwhile, on-loan Rangers midfielder Ross McCrorie has thanked well-wishers after he became the first high-profile Scottish player to test positive for coronavirus.

The 22-year-old – currently on a season-long stint with Portsmouth – tweeted: Thank you for all the  messages of support it’s appreciated!

“Self isolating at the moment and feeling fine with no symptoms whatsoever. I would just like to  urge everyone to take care and stay safe!”