Aiden Wilson has signed a new contract at Rangers but, as yet, David Bates has not followed suit.
Rangers’ immediate future may be uncertain right now with no manager at the helm but the club can at least take solace in knowing that they appear to have their defence in order for the next few years with Aiden Wilson, Ross McCrorie and David Bates all vying for a place.
Auchenhowie graduate White penned a contract extension on Tuesday, committing his future to the Ibrox club until 2020. The 18-year-old made two appearances in the closing weeks of last season and insists that he is improving all the time under the wing of experienced Portuguese centre-back Bruno Alves, per Sky Sports.
White is not the only fresh-faced centre-half providing plenty of reason for optimism at Rangers, however. In the words of the now departed Pedro Caixinha, young Ross McCrorie has the potential to be one of the greatest defenders in Rangers’ history, as reported by the Daily Record.
And the teenager certainly hasn’t looked out of place in any of his first-team appearances so far this season.
With White and McCrorie tied down for the time being, the club’s attention should now turn to David Bates. As it stands, the 21-year-old will be a free agent at the end of this season but the former Raith Rovers prospect proved when given an opportunity last season that he is more than good enough for Rangers’ first-team.
Bates made seven league appearances under Pedro Caixinha last season. And, although he has found opportunities harder to come by since the emergence of McCrorie, Rangers must tie the defender down as it makes little sense to lose such a talented young player on a free – even if the club aren’t short of highly-rated centre-halves.
With Wilson in the bag, drawing up a new deal for Bates should be next on Rangers’ list of priorities.
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