Rangers prepare to offer Kevin Thomson fresh Ibrox contract

RANGERS' new-found stability was advertised yesterday when it emerged that Walter Smith is ready to offer a new deal to influential midfielder Kevin Thomson, with a series of new contract offers expected to follow to other key members of the Ibrox squad.

Former Hibernian captain Thomson, 25, has one year remaining on his current deal at Rangers, but has made it clear that he is ready to commit his longer-term future to the SPL champions.

Thomson moved from Easter Road in January 2007 and signed a four-and-a-half-year deal. If he was allowed to run down his current deal the Scotland international would be free to talk to clubs in January. But rather than be faced with the prospect of losing Thomson on a free transfer at the end of the coming season, Smith is determined to tie him up on a new deal.

Thomson has overcome two serious knee injuries, the most recent being in November 2008, but has returned each time to the Rangers team, and has proved a steadying influence in the heart of Smith's midfield.

Meanwhile, former Scotland manager Craig Brown has tipped David Weir to sign up for another year at Rangers now that Smith has confirmed he will remain at the helm. Weir may have celebrated his 40th birthday earlier this month but has indicated he is keen to carry on his playing career for as long as possible.

The veteran defender has been operating on a season-by-season basis at Rangers and has yet to thrash out a new deal.

However, Rangers have secured Smith and his backroom staff on new contracts and Brown – who worked with Weir at the 1998 World Cup – believes he will follow suit. "I'm sure he will sign up now that Walter is there," he said. "Davie is a gentleman and a terrific role model for any footballer. If anyone takes on board an instruction or a bit of advice, it's Davie Weir.

"Now he is in the role to give the advice, which I think is terrific. I'm sure Danny Wilson and Madjid Bougherra will listen."