Source: Team_Talk
Smith hails 'perfect pro' Weir
The Ibrox skipper - who will be 40 in May - has been named Scottish Premier League player of the month for February thanks to his solid displays at the back as Rangers continue their quest for a domestic treble.[LNB]The centre-half was only expected to be at the club for a few months when he signed in January 2007 but has since proved himself to be the "perfect professional" as far as Smith is concerned.[LNB]"As we have done for the last three years we will speak at the end of the season," said the Rangers boss.[LNB]"That's the agreement that we have and that's what we will do again this year.[LNB]"He has not only exceeded expectations, he has exceeded the length of time that he would be here.[LNB]"I hoped he would come in for the remaining period of the first season for four or five months and, at a stretch, the following season.[LNB]"The two years extra that he has had have been terrific.[LNB]"Whatever awards he receives, he deserves. His form has been terrific for Rangers this season.[LNB]"He brings a great deal to our club and he is well-respected by everyone around the place for his attitude and his manner.[LNB]"I know he will hate me saying this, but he is as close to a perfect professional as you will get.[LNB]"The players see him every day in training, they see his attitude towards everything and his desire to win is there for everybody to see within our dressing room.[LNB]"I know from my spell at Everton and with the national team that he is respected in every team that he plays."[LNB]Regardless of whether Weir remains with the Scottish champions for another season or not, Smith has tipped the defender to follow in his own footsteps and go on to enjoy a successful career in coaching.[LNB]He said: "He is keen on it, Davie wants to go on to coaching and management.[LNB]"If he has the same approach as he does to his playing, I'm sure that will be a road that will open up to him.[LNB]"But that's in the future. At the moment we have our remaining games to concentrate on."[LNB]Next up for Rangers is a trip to Kilmarnock in the SPL on Tuesday night and Smith believes Celtic's last visit to Rugby Park - soon after the high-profile capture of Robbie Keane - should act as a warning to his own players.[LNB]He said: "We only have to look at Celtic, who went there very buoyant after bringing in a few players in January, and lost 1-0.[LNB]"We, ourselves, were very fortunate to get a draw down there in the early part of the season when we didn't play well at all.[LNB]"We know we have to play well, and hopefully we will do, and we know we have to try to get a good result to keep our momentum going."[LNB][LNB]
