Weir So Pleased With Him

Apr 27 2008 By Mark Guidi

WALTER SMITH admits veteran Davie Weir was bought as a short-term fix but is delighted at his superb contribution to Rangers.

The Ibrox boss was reunited with the 37-year-old defender in January last year after previously signing him at Everton.

But he's continuing to prove his worth as Gers target four trophies.

Smith said: "Davie is such a good professional but wasn't getting many games at Everton.

"He went to see his boss Davie Moyes who agreed to let him go.

"I heard about it from one of the boys and just phoned and asked Moyes - and that was it.

"I was only thinking about fixing him up until the end of last season. I thought he'd be a terrific short-term signing and didn't look any longer than that.

"But he was great last season and I had no hesitation in offering him a chance to stay.

"His consistency and form have been fantastic for his age. He has outperformed anything I thought he would be capable of doing.

"Davie brings stability to any defence. He has helped Carlos Cuellar, Sasa Papac and others.

"Carlos has settled well and enjoys playing alongside Davie - most players do because he has a calmness about him that helps the rest of the defence."

Cuellar is suspended today and Smith, who knows avoiding defeat will all but clinch the SPL title, has to decide whether Christian Dailly or Papac link up beside Weir.

Smith said: "The players know what is at stake and it is the kind of game that gets us all going."