Rangers centre-back Gareth McAuley has revealed that Northern Ireland teammate Steven Davis is frustrated with his current situation at Southampton and has backed his potential return to Ibrox in January.
As reported by the Scottish Sun, Rangers are keen on a return for Davis after Southampton told the 33-year-old he could leave for free in January as thanks for his loyal service.
McAuley has now weighed in on these reports linking the club with a swoop for Davis, revealing his frustration while lending his backing to such a move taking place.
Speaking to Sky Sports, McAuley said: “I know he’s frustrated at not playing football. If the opportunity is there for him, and things are right with Southampton and things like that, then I’m sure he would love to [return to Rangers]. This is an amazing club, it’s an amazing club. I can’t think of anywhere else better to play.
“He’s not really appreciated, other than the club he’s at and the players down there will know what a fantastic player he is. I mean I don’t know if it’s on the cards but he’s certainly a player who’s been here before, he’s captained the club, knows what it’s about.”
TRANSFER NEWS
"I know he's frustrated with not playing football"@RangersFC defender Gareth McAuley links Northern Ireland team mate Steven Davis with a return to Ibrox in January. https://t.co/DlahcewYDj
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) December 14, 2018
OPINION
It is obvious that McAuley would be happy to see his international teammate join him at Ibrox in the January transfer window, as would most people involved with Rangers. Davis was one of the club’s best players during a highly successful period in their recent history, and despite him leaving on a free transfer after the club entered insolvency, is still highly regarded in Glasgow. Obviously there will be some detractors due to Davis’ age, but there is no doubt that the midfielder could still do a brilliant job for the Gers if they do sign him. Manager Steven Gerrard is reported to believe he can, and it would not be at all a surprise to see this transfer take place in the coming weeks. Everything seems to be falling in place to allow it to happen, and McAuley is merely adding fuel to the fire by speaking about it so openly in this interview.