Ness commits to Rangers

Rangers have handed young midfielder Jamie Ness his second contract extension inside four months to tie him to the club until the summer of 2015. The 20-year-old signed an improved deal in December, but has now extended his stay at Ibrox by another two years. Manager Walter Smith told the club's official website: "Jamie has signed a new contract and we are very pleased about that. He has shown in the games that he has played for us this season that he has a very bright future so we are delighted to get him tied up on a new deal." The midfielder's progress through the Murray Park academy was held up by injury, but he made his first-team debut as a teenager, off the bench in a 4-1 victory over Motherwell on Boxing Day. He made a surprise first start in the new year derby against Celtic, performing well despite a 2-0 defeat, and maintained a regular place in the side until being hit by a groin injury last month. Ness netted his first Rangers goal on his ninth appearance, a spectacular 25-yard strike into the top corner during a 2-2 Scottish Cup draw against Celtic. Smith revealed the left-sided player could return to action against Kilmarnock in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League on Sunday if his injury problem continued to clear up. He added: "He has been hampered by a groin injury recently but that is clearing up and, everything going well, he might be ready to come back this weekend. He more than held his own when he came into the team and played exceptionally well for us so we were really disappointed when he dropped out through injury. "He had not played a lot of matches in the previous two seasons because of injuries so after playing half a dozen matches or so for us we expected some sort of reaction and unfortunately we got it with the groin injury. "So hopefully once he gets over that he can slot straight back in and if his form is anything like it was then it will be a huge benefit to Rangers. He is an out-and-out midfield player. His range of passing is good and he has also shown he has an eye for goal so we are delighted that he has extended his contract. "It's always good when a young player comes in and enhances your group. He has done that and I'm sure he will do it again."

Source: PA