Rangers defeat highlights why Gers must renew David Bates’ deal

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Glasgow Rangers have suffered back to back defeats at Ibrox with their defence being called into question.

If the international break had come two weeks ago, Rangers fans would likely be incredibly excited for the final part of the season with Graeme Murty’s men beginning March with their sixth consecutive win in all competitions.

However, defeats to Celtic and Kilmarnock at Ibrox have dashed the Gers’ hopes of setting up a title race and have left the door open for Aberdeen to revive the race for second in the Scottish Premiership.

Several players have underperformed in the two last games – especially in the defeat to Kille at the weekend – with the defence proving to be particularly disappointing and leaving Murty with plenty to ponder over the coming days.

Russell Martin and David Bates were generally excellent alongside each other during the first few weeks of the year, while Ross McCrorie’s return from injury is likely to provide the Light Blues with a huge boost.

However, with McCrorie not yet ready and Bates now on the sidelines himself, Rangers’ fragilities have been exposed with Martin and Bruno Alves struggling at the weekend, while Fabio Cardoso came in for plenty of criticism after his substitute appearance in the Old Firm.

The performances of Alves and Cardoso in particular will leave Murty concerned, and with Martin only on loan, it becomes all the more baffling that Rangers are just months away from losing Bates on a free.

Last week, The Scottish Sun reported that Bates was out of contract at Ibrox in the summer and talks over a new deal had stalled. But in the wake of the defeat to Kilmarnock at the weekend, the Gers should do everything they possibly can to get the 21-year-old tied down.

Bates may not be a first-choice once Rangers put a squad together to challenge Celtic, but his importance to the current team has been highlighted by their struggles since he sustained the injury against the Hoops and losing him would be criminal, especially on a free transfer.

If there is one positive to come out of the last two results for Rangers, it is surely that it should have made them realise that they must do all they can to keep Bates as, barring McCrorie, their other options may not be good enough.