Sport

Gers defender hints at exit
by Tom Adams, 05 July 2008

Smith chats with Nacho Novo

Rangers defender Stevie Smith has admitted he could be forced to leave Ibrox if he fails to earn regular first team football this season.

The 22-year-old has suffered extensively from injuries over the past two seasons but made his first appearance in 15 months in March when taking the field against Partick Thistle in the Scottish Cup.

He also played in the next round against St Johnstone but was forced to watch from the sidelines as the Glasgow side reached the Uefa Cup final, won the Scottish Cup and battled Celtic in a tense title run-in.

Smith admits that for the sake of his career, this season will be make or break as far as his time at Rangers is concerned.

"I am not getting any younger and I feel I am at the age where I want to push on,” Smith told the Daily Record.

“I want to become a regular again and if it doesn't happen then I will have to review my situation at the end of the season so it is such a big year for me."

Meanwhile, reports in Scotland claim Blackburn have emerged as rivals for the signature of Fulham midfielder Steven Davis.

The Northern Ireland international impressed during a loan spell at Ibrox last season but The Gers have so far failed to come to an agreement over a permanent transfer this summer.

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Comments

archie mc dermid - 11 July 2008 12:44: please walter fof my sake and all the loyal rangers fans please do your upmost to keep stevie davis at ibrox as we need good players like him he was by far one of the stars of last season good luck to you and all the boys for the coming season; Report this to a moderator

Ross McCormack's over rated - 10 July 2008 20:14: Injured again Stevie? Who's playing left back then? You want to become a first team regular so I suggest you try and get fit for the games and not mouth off. Every time you talk trash you move closer to a move to the Pars. Time to apologise and concentrate on being ready for the games, or has "playing for Rangers" gone to your head?; Report this to a moderator

Ross McCormack's over rated - 07 July 2008 18:25: I just don't get it. This guy was adored by the Ibrox faithful. A Scottish player full of heart, running, skill and potential. Yeah, he wasn't going to be the greatest left back ever, but he was heading to be an ever present AND a Scottish international when HE got injured. He has only just returned to fitness and he is moaning about not getting a game and is already planning his exit. Sorry, but Stevie if you feel that way perhaps it's best you go now. See how many clubs are willing to pay top dollar for a guy who plays so few games...; Report this to a moderator

gwest - 05 July 2008 22:11: Stevie Smith was excellent at left back before his injury, and although Papac has perfomed well i think Smith offers more of an attacking threat and his final ball is better. Surely Rangers are not going to let another young player with talent leave Ibrox like they did with Ross McCormack.; Report this to a moderator

costablancabear - 05 July 2008 21:12: IF THIS IS TRUE, WHICH I HAVE MY DOUBTS THAT STEVIE SMITH HAS SAID THIS AFTER TRAINIG SO HARD TO GET BACK TO THIS STAGE ! I think that Walter knows how much talent that Smith has, and he could be the next Hutton, so I would take this with a pinch of salt, IMO Papac and Smith will be fighting for this position and Stevie will shine and his pace and final ball is good and his all round football play will show he is the man for the job, and will push Papac out of the L/B position ................ Stevie Smith's words have been taken out of context by the DR and he wouldn't risk the chance with words and statements as strong as these !; Report this to a moderator

Kenny - 05 July 2008 14:13: I feel Stevie Smith will regret making these kind of comments. After a lengthy spell sidelined. He got a couple of under his belt before the end of the season. It would have been unfair to drop the other guys, namely Papac for the likes of the Cup Finals and the run in to give him a start when Papac was virtually ever present. These kind of comments are premature to say the least and if they are legit, his name sake Walter, will not be best pleased. You will get your chance Stevie.; Report this to a moderator

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