Source: Team_Talk
Weir important to Gers - Davis
Steven Davis may be relishing his spell as Rangers skipper but he cannot wait for the return of captain David Weir.[LNB] Davis has been handed the armband on a temporary basis while veteran defender Weir has been sidelined with a hamstring injury.[LNB]The midfielder will again lead out the Scottish champions when they face Maribor in the first leg of the Europa League play-offs after Weir failed to make the trip to Slovenia.[LNB]But Davis believes the experience the 41-year-old brings to the team is crucial and hopes he will be back in action sooner rather than later.[LNB]The Northern Irishman said: "I've had the armband for a few games this season and it's something I've enjoyed.[LNB]"I think everybody within the team has to lead by example and you just have to try to play your normal game irrespective of whether you've got the armband or not.[LNB]"Ultimately, whenever Davie plays, he will be the captain and I understand that. He's a good leader on and off the pitch.[LNB]"Davie is an important part of the team and around the dressing room so the sooner he's back the better."[LNB]Rangers suffered massive disappointment when they crashed out of Champions League qualifying at the hands of Malmo.[LNB]But, following back to back Clydesdale Bank Premier League wins over St Johnstone and Inverness, Davis believes the Light Blues are in good shape ahead of the clash with Maribor.[LNB]He said: "We've had a couple of good results now and we had a good performance at the weekend against Inverness so the boys are looking forward to the game.[LNB]"Winning breeds confidence and the fact that we have had a number of competitive games means the sharpness is starting to show in the boys.[LNB]"We are probably in better shape than we were against Malmo."[LNB]Davis has assured fans that Rangers are taking the task of booking a place in the Europa League group stages seriously in the wake of their Champions League exit.[LNB]He said: "Ideally, we would like to be playing in the Champions League but, ultimately, the fans demand to be involved in some European competition and it's important for us to be involved at that level. It's important that we progress to the group stages."[LNB]Rangers progressed to the UEFA Cup final in 2008 and Davis added: "We managed to go on a good run a few years ago and we know what's there for you if you get a good run in the competition.[LNB]"But, first and foremost, we've got a game against Maribor.[LNB]"I've played here against the international team and there was a good atmosphere at the ground so we are expecting a tough game."[LNB]
