Rangers boss Walter Smith is confident David Weir can play on into his 40th year by remaining at Ibrox next season, reports the Scotsman. Smith originally recruited Weir on a short-term contract from Everton in 2007, but such has been Weir's influence and form, he has been rewarded with two subsequent one-year deals.

"He is showing that he could go again (for another year]," said Smith. "His experience, professionalism and fitness mean he is able to handle anything thrown at him.

"He has been really steady for us. Our back four, plus goalkeeper Allan McGregor, have defended well this season and Davie has been an integral part of that for more than two years now. I've been pleasantly surprised by him. He keeps going and keeps surprising everybody. But I don't suppose we should be surprised at what he does anymore. He has already surpassed my initial expectations of him at Rangers.

"I thought he would be here for a three- or four-month period, from the January until the end of that season, but he is still here and still playing really well."