Arfie ld and Lowry are rewarded with new deals

RANGERS have announced contract extensions for veteran midfielder Scott Arfield and promising academy graduate Alex Lowry.

Arfield, 33, who joined the club from Burnley in 2018 has signed a new one-year deal that will take him to the end of next season.

Lowry, 18, regarded as one of the club’s top talents, is now tied down until 2025, ending speculation over his immediate future.

Arfield has made 185 appearances for the Ibrox club and this season has played an important role in the club’s progression to the finals of the Europa League and Scottish Cup, scoring against Celtic in the semi-final of the latter competition.

‘I’ve always looked for longevity and stability at a club, and I’m so pleased to have had that and have it going into the future here at Rangers,’ he told the Rangers website. ‘The next couple of weeks are so exciting for us with the potential silverware on offer, and also the opportunity to secure Champions League football. When you get to this stage in your career, your family is the most important thing, so I couldn’t imagine moving them again. To be staying put at Rangers is fantastic for all of us.’

Lowry had been linked with Manchester City and Newcastle but will now stay under the tutelage of Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who handed him a first-team debut in January’s Scottish Cup win over Stirling Albion, a game in which he scored just 16 minutes after coming off the bench.

He has gone on to make three more appearances for the first team, showcasing an attacking flair that has quickly caught the eye of the club’s supporters.

‘I want to thank Ross Wilson, Craig Mulholland and the boss for giving me the chance and for showing faith in me,’ said Lowry.

‘I can only thank them and hopefully I can repay them by kicking on now.’

The new contracts have fallen under the remit of sporting director Wilson, who added: ‘Alex has progressed really well across the season and we are pleased to have rewarded his development with this contract extension.

‘He is part of an exciting group of young players who we have progressed to the first-team group from the Academy.

‘We all know the positive energy that Scott brings to our group and as a player and personality, he was someone that Gio was immediately impressed with upon his arrival as manager.

‘We agreed this extension a few weeks ago but Scott wanted to give full concentration to our game schedule ahead of formally signing.’