Glasgow Rangers defender David Bates is out of contract at Ibrox at the end of the season.
Bates was signed during Mark Warburton’s tenure at Ibrox, initially brought in on loan before signing on a permanent basis in January 2017 after four years on Raith Rovers’ books.
Though the 21-year-old has struggled to hold down a regular place at any stage during his time with the Gers, he has provided glimpses of his potential – and his latest display surely proved exactly why the Scottish Premiership side are now planning to hand him a new contract, as reported by The Scottish Sun.
Bates was left out of the starting lineup for the Old Firm clash with Celtic, and Graeme Murty would have probably hoped that he would not need to use him at any stage with Bruno Alves partnering Danny Wilson at Parkhead. However, an early injury to Alves meant that the centre-back had to come on just 18 minutes into the contest.
Given that Bates has perhaps not been the youngster who has impressed the most since coming into the side – that honour must surely go to Ross McCrorie – there may well have been a number of Light Blues fans who would have been slightly nervous when he came on.
However, Bates was exceptional on the day, helping the Gers keep a clean sheet as the game finished goalless with Murty’s men perhaps the team more disappointed by the fact that they had to settle for the point.
Of course, he needs to show more consistency in the games when Rangers are expected to win and perhaps even make a statement in before he can be considered to be someone who Murty should pick regularly, but he is certainly young enough to make that improvement – and the display against Celtic confirmed that he also has the quality to make that step up in the future.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
