David Bates was brought to Ibrox during Weir’s time as Glasgow Rangers assistant boss.
David Bates has suggested just how great an influence David Weir had upon him during the latter’s time as Rangers assistant boss and explained that the Ibrox hero has been in contact with him recently to congratulate him on his debut, the Daily Record reports.
Bates was arguably something of a surprise signing during Mark Warburton’s tenure as manager as he initially arrived from Raith Rovers on loan last summer before being signed permanently during the January transfer window.
Despite being a Warburton signing however, it was not until his successor, Pedro Caixinha handed him a chance in the Gers’ recent Scottish Premiership clash with Kilmarnock that he was given the opportunity to make his first-team debut.
But he explained that Warburton’s former assistant was quick to reach out to him following his Light Blues bow, and insisted that the lines of communication between the pair will remain open as his development continues.
“Davie was always talking me through things in training. And he’s already sent me a couple of texts to say well done,” he said, as reported by the Record.
David Weir
“If I ever need to talk to Davie, with all his experience of playing centre-back for this club, I know I could go to him for advice.”
Though the result against Killie was a largely disappointing one – Rangers lost more ground in the race for second with a goalless draw at Rugby Park – Bates would have been happy with his display as he helped the side keep a clean sheet.
And with few of the centre-backs in the current Gers squad making the case to Caixinha that they are undroppable, it may not be out of the question to suggest that the 20-year-old may get a few more chances to impress before the season comes to a close.
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