Bates to be offered a bumper new Ibrox deal

RANGERS are poised to offer crocked defender David Bates a new long-term contract. The 21-year-old is out of next month’s Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic after he was stretchered off during last weekend’s Old Firm clash with ankle ligament damage, which will sideline him for a minimum of six weeks. The Fifer’s current deal expires in the summer, but Sportsmail understands director of football Mark Allen will allay concerns over the player’s Ibrox future by having a conversation with his new agent next week. Interim boss Graeme Murty has already moved to provide Bates with assurances after an accidental clash with Celtic’s Tom Rogic ruled him out at a critical juncture of the season. ‘He’s had his scan, he’s damaged his ankle ligaments,’ said Murty. ‘There is no break, but there is significant bone bruising as it was a significant injury. I would suggest he will be out a minimum of six weeks. ‘It’s painful for the kid. Painful for a young man who has done really well for us. ‘He’s maturing, but I do have to say that given the mechanism of the injury and the freak nature of it, we’re delighted that that’s all it was — because it could have been significantly worse.’ Asked how the club would approach the matter of the defender’s future, Murty added: ‘We’ll approach it like we always do, behind the scenes until we’ve got something to tell you. ‘We are talking and we’ve been talking for a significant period. I had a chat with him about his status and those chats will continue. When we have something to reveal, you guys will find out.’ Scotland boss Alex McLeish has admitted that Bates is in his long-term thinking for international recognition. ‘Think of the distance he has come in a short period of time,’ added Murty. ‘I’m not surprised the national team manager is taking a look because he is slotting in really well to what we are trying to do.’ Already juggling a number of long-term injuries, the loss of Bates is likely to be offset by the return of Ross McCrorie. Out since January with a foot injury, the 19-year-old’s recovery is progressing well, with Murty admitting: ‘Hopefully Ross will be back shortly. He is doing advanced rehab with minimal discomfort. We are looking to integrate him with the squad again, maybe next week.’ Russell Martin is also back in training ahead of today’s clash with Kilmarnock at Ibrox.