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Darren Fullerton

Ally McCoist issues Steven Davis appeal after midfielder helps Rangers lift Scottish Cup

Ally McCoist has urged Giovanni van Bronckhorst to hand Steven Davis a new contract after the veteran midfielder helped Rangers lift the Scottish Cup at Hampden.

Davis shone in Saturday's 2-0 win over Hearts, but his current deal expires in the summer and a major question mark hangs over his Ibrox future.

The Northern Ireland captain is 37 and in the autumn of his career, but McCoist believes Rangers would be foolhardy to part company with such an experienced and accomplished player.

Read more: Premier League 2021/22 Oldest XI including Northern Ireland defender

The legendary striker told Premier Sports: “I would keep him for another year, for sure. It's not about age, it's about whether you can make a contribution, and he certainly can.

“His fitness levels look great and he is still an excellent footballer.”

Davis, who scored in the penalty shootout in Wednesday night’s Europa League defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in Seville, said last week that he’d love to stay at Rangers.

The former Aston Villa, Fulham and Southampton playmaker joined the Old Firm giants for a second spell in 2019 and helped the club to the league title last season.

Asked about his future as Rangers celebrated Saturday’s cup triumph in Glasgow, the Cullybackey native told Premier Sports: "To be honest I really don't know.

“I think we just said we'd speak after. It's been such an emotional week obviously with the Europa League Final.

“This doesn't make up for it because it was a really good opportunity for us but we're delighted to win this.

“Then obviously Jimmy Bell's funeral yesterday, so it's been a really emotional week and I'm delighted we could finish on a high.

"We'll sit down and we'll see where everything sits.”

Davis, who has made almost 350 appearances for Rangers, was a survivor from the last time the club won the Scottish Cup in 2009.

Steven Davis holds aloft the Scottish Cup (Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

This year’s showpiece success was delivered in extra-time thanks to goals from Ryan Jack - who replaced Davis in the 81st minute - and Scott Wright.

“It’s always special to pick up a trophy with this club,” said Davis.

“We have had our fair share of disappointments in the last few years and obviously the league didn’t go our way, the European final didn’t go our way.

"It was important we finished on a high. I just think for the effort the boys have given all season, they really deserve to have something to show for it at the end of it. We got our reward.”

Read more: Ballymacash Rangers create history with Premier Intermediate League play-off success

Read more: Cliftonville defender Levi Ives hailed as "best" in Irish League after agreeing new deal

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