Source: Team_Talk
I'm still proving myself - Weir
Rangers' David Weir admits a need to prove he can still play at the top level at the age of 40 is motivating him ahead of the new campaign.[LNB] The Gers begin the season with the visit of Kilmarnock on Saturday and the veteran defender is relishing the challenge after penning a new one-year deal this summer.[LNB]He said: "Being honest, every week it's a motivation just to prove to myself that I can still do it and to prove to everyone else that I can still do it. Hopefully that gives me an edge and the motivation to keep going."[LNB]Asked if he still feels anticipation ahead of each match, he added: "Of course, you still get that every week. If you don't get that feeling, I think that would be the time to call it a day. I think everyone should have that and I've definitely got it."[LNB]This season will be boss Walter Smith's last before retirement but Weir insists Rangers' approach will be no different.[LNB]He told Real Radio: "It's always got an edge when you're here because you can't take your foot off the pedal or take your eye off the ball at any stage.[LNB]"You can't prioritise or say 'this season is more important or that game is more important' - that's just the nature of being at a club like this. It goes with the territory. I don't think you can start saying it's any more important than any other season."[LNB]Smith himself is keen for the action to begin for real and get their defence of the title underway.[LNB]He said: "We're looking forward to getting into the competitive aspect of the season after training for six weeks. It's always nice to start with the unfurling of the league flag.[LNB]"That only lasts a few minutes, right enough, and we're back into the competitive action of the SPL season. Mixu Paatelainen's teams are always competitive in terms of how they play the game and I don't see this will be any different. Like ourselves, they have one or two problems replacing players they have lost in the close season.[LNB]"But that will have settled down just now and like every other team at the start of the season, they are keen to come to Ibrox or Parkhead and give their team an immediate boost by getting a good result.[LNB]"We've found ourselves winning the championship for the last few seasons. We want to make sure everyone knows we're trying to keep that run going."[LNB]Rangers will be without top striker Kris Boyd following his summer departure but Killie's Manuel Pascali believes the threat from the champions will still be as strong as ever.[LNB]He said: "He scored a few goals against us in recent years but I watched the game against Newcastle and Kenny Miller was absolutely class. So, Boyd or no Boyd, they are always dangerous.[LNB]"We know it will be really hard because they are the champions and haven't changed a lot of players. They are a solid group."
