Barry Ferguson has stressed the importance of keeping Steven Davis at Rangers.
The Northern Ireland international has been ruled out for the rest of the season through injury in a major blow to boss Michael Beale. He was set for a key role under the new gaffer for the second part of the campaign but will now watch on from the sidelines. The 37-year-old is out of contract in the summer and Ibrox hero Ferguson reckons he deserves a new deal for next term.
The former Rangers skipper has hailed the veteran as a brilliant professional and player as he heaped praise on the 'top quality' midfielder. He knows his old club need plenty of additions to fix issues within the squad but says guys of Davis' quality don't come around often and it is KEY to keep him on the books. Speaking on Go Radio, he said: "First and foremost I am gutted for him. He's a top quality professional and player.
"It was interesting to see Michael Beale's comments. He was going to be a big part of the team going forward. I know he is 37 and I have said Rangers need a fair bit of surgery done to their squad but players like Steven Davis don't come around a lot.
"I do believe the way he looks after himself. I've seen it with my own eyes when he came on against Hibs. He calmed the game down and takes responsibility.
"Hopefully he comes back fit and ready and I do believe he does deserves another years contract. I am not saying that because I know him or played with him. I think having that experience and quality in and around the squad is so important.
"I just see so much quality in him. He's a brilliant professional and player and I do think it is so important Rangers do keep players like that around. There is a lot of players needing brought in to strengthen but I think keeping a player like Steven Davis is key for Rangers going forward."
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