Flop Senderos still a source of inspiration to Ibrox rookie Bates
THE shambolic and, surely, short Rangers career of Philippe Senderos will not feature too fondly in the memories of Ibrox supporters.
Sent off on his debut in a devastating 5-1 defeat at Celtic Park, the Swiss defender has played only three more games — the last of which was in Scottish Cup action against Morton in February.
The 32-year-old has not managed to make a positive impact with his own displays but will leave a lasting impression on the Rangers squad in the shape of David Bates.
The rookie defender hands huge credit to the veteran centre-half for his own emergence in Pedro Caixinha’s first-team plans within the last month.
Bates has noted the exalted company Senderos kept when at his Champions League peak with Arsenal and World Cup Finals appearance for Switzerland.
And if, as expected, Senderos is not around for a second season in Scotland, then Bates will use the coming weeks to soak up as much advice as possible from his Rangers mentor.
‘Philippe, even when he’s not involved in the squad or is injured, comes in at half-time and will talk, give a few pointers,’ revealed Bates.
‘He’s got so much experience, played in the Champions League, he can help everyone. It’s good for me, if I’ve got things to ask I can always go to him.
‘I can do that with Clint (Hill), too, Rob (Kiernan), Danny (Wilson). They’re brilliant. But especially Philippe is always helping me out.
‘When I first came in he really did help me. He was taking me away, doing fast feet, heading, touches with the ball, passes and getting me better.
‘I don’t think I watched him as a defender. I played as a striker until I moved to centre-half at 14 when I was asked to fill in at Raith, so I didn’t study that many defenders when I was younger.
‘He’s been up against the best players in the world.
‘Everyone wants to be starting in the team but, here at Rangers, they are always supporting those starting in front of them.’
Bates, signed by Mark Warburton from Raith Rovers, made his debut at Kilmarnock earlier this month — the first of three clean sheets to start his Rangers career.
Last Sunday was a step up in grade against Celtic and he was dropped yesterday, which was probably a blessing in disguise as Celtic ran riot at Ibrox.
‘The last few weeks have been great — I think I’ve learned more than in the last few years,’ said the 20-year-old. ‘The strikers I’ve been up against — Adam Rooney, Leigh Griffiths, (Moussa) Dembele are all different types, but of such high quality.
‘Even when the wingers come inside it is (Scott) Sinclair at you.’