David Weir urges Rangers to get David Bates signed to new contract

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Glasgow Rangers defender David Bates has been something of a revelation at Ibrox this season.

In comments reported by the Daily Record, David Weir has insisted that Rangers should look to tie down David Bates to a long-term deal at Ibrox as he continues to impress for the Gers.

Bates has established himself as one of Graeme Murty’s most important players over the last few months. Signed from Raith Rovers on an initial loan deal, the centre-back ultimately did enough to earn a permanent move to Rangers, and he has taken full advantage of the chance that the Light Blues took on him.

The 21-year-old has made 14 appearances in all competitions since the start of December and has seemingly moved to the top of the centre-back pecking order at the moment despite having the likes of Bruno Alves and Russell Martin also in the ranks.

His deal at Ibrox expires this summer however, and Weir insisted that the best move for everyone would be to get Bates to put pen to paper on an extended contract with the club.

“Rangers are the best place for him at this stage in his career,” he said, as reported by the Record. “He’s young, he’s getting better, he’s a Rangers fan.

“He’s done the hard bit by already making a mark. For both parties, it makes sense to get him tied up on a long-contract.”

While Bates is not the finished article by any means, he is showing signs that suggest that he could become a hugely important player in the squad for years to come if he continues to play regularly.

And if he shines when Celtic visit Ibrox today as he did when the two sides last met, the calls for Bates to get a new deal will surely become too loud for the Rangers hierarchy to ignore.