STEVEN Davis, the Rangers midfielder, has expressed hope the current season can be played to a finish once the suspension of Scottish football has been lifted later this year and dismissed the prospect of matches taking place behind closed doors.

Davis sent supporters of the Ibrox club a goodwill message on their official website yesterday urging them to follow government guidelines during the coronavirus pandemic and “stay safe”.

However, the Northern Ireland internationalist also stated that he would like to complete the 2019/20 campaign in its entirety and in front of fans at the earliest available opportunity.

Rangers are currently 13 points behind Celtic in the Ladbrokes Premiership table with nine matches – including two Old Firm games – remaining and can potentially still pip their city rivals to the Scottish title.

The Covid-19 outbreak isn’t expected to peak in the United Kingdom until the end of May or middle of June and there have been calls to null and void the season or declare the Parkhead club champions.

However, Davis would prefer to complete the fixture list when play is able to resume – in front of full houses.

“Hopefully this season can be played to a finish at the earliest but safest opportunity,” he told the Rangers website. “Rangers wouldn’t exist without its fans, therefore I personally do not believe games should be played behind closed doors.”

The 35-year-old stressed that he and his Rangers team mates had been following training programmes given to them by Ibrox coaching staff and would be ready to perform whenever the season got back underway.

“As players we’re in constant contact with the club as things progress,” he said. “We’ve been given specific fitness and dietary programmes to follow in the coming weeks.

“This is to enable us to be in the best physical condition possible, to be ready for the challenges of the current season being played out to an end.”

Davis added: “There is a lot of uncertainty and worry for everyone around the world right now. I know what an institution like Rangers means to our loyal fans, but football must be secondary right now and it’s vital we follow the advice of the government to get this virus under control.

“Football and sport in general play a massive role for the health and wellbeing for millions around the world, both physically and mentally, and this virus is impacting everyone in all aspects of life.

“Naturally we are all concerned for our family, friends and loved ones, but hopefully in time we’ll be able to get back to normality and for us as players and fans get back to the joy of being back out on the pitch and supporting our team.

“Stay safe, follow government guidelines and look after yourself. Thank you to the NHS staff, and all key workers across the UK.”