Ibrox veteran Weir driven by the need to prove a point

David Weir admits a need to prove he can still play at the top level at the age of 40 is what will motivate him ahead of the new campaign with Rangers.

The Scottish champions begin the season with the visit of Kilmarnock today and the defender is relishing the challenge after penning a new one-year deal this summer. He said: "Being honest, every week it's a motivation just to prove to myself that I can still do it and to prove to everyone else that I can still do it. Hopefully that gives me an edge and the motivation to keep going."

Asked if he still feels anticipation ahead of each match, he added: "Of course, you still get that every week. If you don't get that feeling, I think that would be the time to call it a day. I think everyone should have that and I've definitely got it."

This season will be boss Walter Smith's last before retirement but Weir insists Rangers' approach will be no different. "It's always got an edge when you're here because you can't take your foot off the pedal or take your eye off the ball at any stage," Weir said. "You can't prioritise or say 'this season is more important or that game is more important' - that's just the nature of being at a club like this. It goes with the territory."

Smith himself is keen for the action to begin for real and to get the defence of the title underway. He said: "We're looking forward to getting into the competitive aspect of the season after training for six weeks. It's always nice to start with the unfurling of the league flag. That only lasts a few minutes, right enough, and we're back into the competitive action of the SPL season."