KENNY Miller is capable of playing on for Rangers until he is into his forties - if he receives more backing from his Ibrox team mates.
That was the prediction of former Gers striker Gary McSwegan today after it emerged that talks about Miller receiving an extension to his current deal had got underway.
New manager Pedro Caixinha has been greatly impressed with the contribution of the former Scotland player both on and off the park since arriving in this country last month.
McSwegan, who spent seven seasons at Rangers at the start of his professional career in the 1980s and 1990s, played up front until he was the age of 38 himself.
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The former Scotland internationalist believes Miller, who is in an unprecedented third spell at the club he grew up supporting as a boy, can continue to perform at a high level for several more seasons.
However, he feels the players around about him must shoulder more responsibility going forward if the 69-times capped forward is to prolong his distinguished career even further.
“It is important for Rangers to keep somebody like Kenny at the club,” he said. “He sets a great example for younger players coming through. He shows them how to conduct themselves and what they should be doing. He is an exemplary role model for kids and younger players as well.
“But getting a new playing contract is fully justified as well. Having said that, I do think it is a bit unfair to have the same expectations of him going into the new season. I don’t think he can be expected to be the main man.
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“He has been a shining light, the player who makes things happen, for Rangers at times this season. I think he should be looking to share the burden at times. The reality of the situation is that he is 37. He can’t be expected to keep performing the same role that he has at times this season.
“I played on until I was nearly 39. Not at the level that Kenny is playing at, in the second tier where the pace of the play wasn’t as fast. I do think he has got another two or three seasons in him – if he wants to keep going and provided he doesn't pick up any of the sort of injuries which can happen as you get older. I don’t think Kenny should be looking to play nearly as many games in future either.
“If Rangers want to be challenging for titles and cups it is unfair to expect a 38-year-old to be the main man. I’m not suggesting the other boys in the team haven’t done anything this season, but the manager has got to bring in fresh blood to help carry the load.
“Kenny is such an astute player who reads the game well. He takes it upon himself to drop into midfield and try and get things going when the game is going against his side. I think he has done fantastically well once again this season and deserves his contract extension.”
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