ANDY LITTLE is relieved Rangers have been able to secure the services of former Ibrox team-mates Allan McGregor and Steven Davis ahead of their Premiership title defence.
McGregor and Davis have put pen-to-paper on extensions to their contracts in recent days that will keep them as part of Steven Gerrard's side beyond the end of what has been a historic campaign for Rangers.
The champions wrapped up their first league title in a decade last month and now have the Scottish Cup in their sights as they look to complete a double and add more silverware to the trophy cabinet this term.
Little played alongside McGregor and Davis during Walter Smith's second tenure as manager and the Northern Irishman knows how important an influence they will have been on and off the park in recent months.
“I am really pleased,” Little told the Essential Scottish Football Podcast. “I couldn’t quite understand why it took as long as it did and listening to the players in their interviews, there seemed to be no concerns whatsoever.
"But why it took that wee bit extra [time], I really don’t know.I think it sounds like there was just no rush and both parties were happy to sign.
"It is probably relief more than anything that most Rangers fans are feeling right now because there is no doubt that those two players are the spine of the team and are very, very important to the success of the team this season.
“I think that [fact that they had won it before] says a lot and was really important. Whether that was in Steven Gerrard’s plan when he looked at the two signings, whether that was the main reason or just their ability on the pitch… Clearly they have both.
Former @RangersFC striker @AndyLittle_7 discusses Nathan Patterson's development and learning from captain James Tavernier at his old club in an extended interview with @stephenkerr1974 - listen to the full conversation on Podbean🏴⚽️🎙️https://t.co/KpO62zcFJ3 pic.twitter.com/EcBuae1fAe
— Essential Podcasts (@Essential_Pods) April 8, 2021
“They have experience of winning leagues, massive experience full stop and they have shown that they are still excellent players. Davo is 36 and Greegsy is 39.
“Whether that was the plan all along, to get players who have had success and won leagues, I’m not sure. But it has worked a treat.”
Rangers' title success this term has been a long time coming for a support that have suffered over the last decade and it is a culmination of the efforts that Gerrard, his staff and his players have put in during the last three seasons.
Both McGregor and Davis are in the twilights of their careers but will rightly savour the achievement this term after playing leading roles in ensuring the league flag will return to Ibrox.
Little said: “I would think the fact that both players have gone a number of years without winning a league title.
“Davo was at Southampton for six seasons, something like that, without silverware and to get back to winning league titles… at that age he might have worried he wouldn’t do that again.
“I know for a fact that they enjoyed themselves a few weeks ago but I think that moment on May 15 against Aberdeen, the final home game of the season at Ibrox, that will be really special to both of them, I have no doubt about it.
“To have another league winners medal on your shoulders and to lift that trophy, and if you want to touch on everything that happened back in 2012 then I suppose that makes it even more poignant for the both of them. I am sure they will enjoy it just as much as every other fan in the world will.”
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