Nikica Jelavic return will be like a new signing, says Steven Davis

Steven Davis believes Nikica Jelavic has the potential to fill the void left by Kenny Miller as the Scotland striker prepares to quit Rangers for Bursaspor.

Miller flew out to Bursa yesterday to hold talks with the Turkish champions, after rejecting a move to Birmingham, and is set for a swift departure as both clubs appear to have agreed a fee. Miller's exit comes at the same time as fellow forward Jelavic's return to action, with the Croatian making his comeback after almost four months on the sidelines in Tuesday's win over Inverness.

Davis grabbed the only goal of the game in the SPL clash at Ibrox, but has backed Jelavic to be back on top form soon after coming off the bench for the last half hour. Asked if the 4million summer signing could be the man to replace Miller as Rangers' goal-getter, the midfielder said: "I don't see why not. He started the season really well and got four goals in six or seven games to start with.

"He has shown signs that he can be a big player for us. The injury was a major setback and it will be good to have him back. It was great to see him back. He came to the club and started off really well and was starting to find his feet in the team when he got the injury. He has been out for a long time now so we are really getting a new signing once he gets a few games under his belt and gets back to his best."

Birmingham revealed earlier this week they had lost the race for Miller's signature after the 31-year-old - who is out of contract at the end of the season - was made an "irresistible" offer by Bursaspor.

"The players would like him to stay," said Davis. "He has been a big asset for us this season with the number of goals he has scored. That would be difficult to replace but Kenny has to do what is right for himself. Only Kenny really knows the situation so to be honest I don't really know what the situation is at the moment."

Davis' strike just before half-time proved decisive as Rangers moved to within two points of Celtic, with two games in hand.

And, with 22-goal Miller possibly having played his last game for the champions, Davis knows others will now need to step up and contribute to the goals tally. "I don't think I'll be scoring that many but it's important for the midfield players to chip in with some goals," he said.

"We've seen that in the last few games and the goals have been spread out a bit, which is important. Hopefully the boys can continue to do that. It's important that we keep the run going and try and put a run of results together.

"We've got a couple of tough games coming up so it was important to win this game. We we have games in hand but we would rather have the points on the board than be chasing."