David Weir



Date of Birth: 10 05 1970
Place of Birth: Falkirk
Position: Defender
Nationality: Scotland
International Caps 44
International Goals 1

David Weir Rumours and Transfers

27 10 2007

Rangers boss Walter Smith has hailed David Weir as his best value-for-money signing as the defender continues to defy all the odds.

Smith took Weir to Everton for less than £200,000 back in 1999, before calling on his services again as Scotland manager.

He then helped fulfil the player's lifelong ambition by signing him for Rangers after returning to the Ibrox helm in January.

Despite now being in the twilight of his career at the age of 37, Weir has been in outstanding form recently in the Premier League and the Champions League, as well as European Championship qualifiers with Scotland.

"We paid £180,000 for him from Hearts and I have to say he is the best pound-for-pound signing I've made," said Smith.

"He has done it on three occasions for me now as you have to look at what he did when he came back into the international team. From my own point of view, I don't think I could find anybody I could speak more highly of. Plus he is a nice lad as well."

Smith firmly believes Everton's loss has been Rangers' gain, after the Toffees sanctioned the switch to Ibrox almost a year ago.

He said: "At Everton, it was a natural thing for them to look at him and think 'how long can he go on?' But, when I see the way he is playing for us, he is beating that argument by making us aware that he brings something to the team that few people can do."

Smith added: "I don't know how he keeps going, but he doesn't like to take his days off. He does things properly, makes sure he gets plenty of rest and it seems to work for him. He has been terrific lately, not just for Rangers but for the international team as well. I said to him during pre-season training that maybe he shouldn't do as much as the rest of them, but he did every bit. He doesn't like to be looked upon as being different from anybody else and it has stood him in good stead. I think he is looking at a lot of players across Europe at the moment who are playing into their late 30s and sometimes 40s. He's only 37 so he's thinking he can keep going."

Smith believes Weir has been a shining example to his team-mates both on and off the park since his arrival at Rangers.

"I think Davie is good for any young player and even the guys in their late 20s, who want to play for as long as possible," he said.

"Any player who plays to that age has to sacrifice something and he dedicates himself to his profession. I would hope a lot of the other players look at him and try to pick up good habits from him."



24 10 2007

Alex McLeish has praised the SPL for postponing the matches involving Rangers and Celtic prior to Scotland's Euro 2008 qualifier against Italy.

The SPL agreed to a request from the Scottish Football Association, instigated by McLeish, to rearrange Celtic's home match against Falkirk on November 10 and Rangers' trip to St Mirren the following day.

New dates for both games will be announced in "due course", the SPL have confirmed, and Scotland manager McLeish is delighted a large number of his players will have a free weekend ahead of the national team's crucial fixture.

"It's great news. We really pushed for it," McLeish told the Daily Mail.

"The managers were behind us all the way. It frees up about 10 players and, while I was never worried about match sharpness, it makes sure these players don't get injured. It is a real boost, a fantastic bonus, and we really appreciate it."

However the SPL are upset with the SFA who declined to meet the cost of postponing the two matches.

SFA chief executive Gordon Smith approached the SPL to seek the postponements after McLeish suggested it would benefit the national team for the Old Firm stars to be allowed a break.

But SPL executive chairman Lex Gold has been unhappy with the SFA's attitude towards finding a solution to suit all parties, and said: "It is a matter of considerable disappointment that the SFA has refused to help defray the costs which will be incurred by our clubs."

McLeish draws a significant number of his Scotland squad and first-choice line-up from Glasgow's biggest two teams, players such as captain Barry Ferguson, Lee McCulloch, David Weir, Paul Hartley, Alan Hutton, Kris Boyd and Stephen McManus.



15 10 2007

Scotland flew out to Georgia on Monday boosted by the news that Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher may have recovered enough from injury to start in their Euro 2008 Group B qualifier.

The Scots remarkably top the group, which also includes France and Italy, and victory in Tblisi and a point at home to Italy next month would see them through to the finals.

With several squad members out through injury or suspension, Scotland have been able to call on Fletcher, back in training after suffering a knee injury a month ago.

Assistant coach Andy Watson told the BBC Website: "It's great he has been able to come in and be available for us after all the call-offs we have had."

Georgia, long out of contention, are also missing several key players through injury.

They include captain Kakha Kaladze and experienced midfielder Levan Kobiashvili, while goalkeeper Giorgi Lomaia was sent home after giving up a soft goal in last Saturday's 2-0 defeat by Italy.

AC Milan full back Kaladze and Kobiashvili, who plays for Bundesliga side Schalke 04, suffered thigh and groin injuries while playing for their clubs two weeks ago.

Teams (probable):

Georgia - Giorgi Makaridze; Lasha Salukvadze, Zurab Khizanishvili, Malkhaz Asatiani, Georgi Shashiashvili, Levan Tskitishvili, Zurab Menteshashvili, Jaba Kankava, David Kvirkvelia, Levan Kenia, Georgi Demetradze.

Scotland - Craig Gordon; Graeme Murty, David Weir, Stephen McManus, Gary Naysmith; Darren Fletcher, Barry Ferguson, Stephen Pearson, Gary Teale; James McFadden, Kenny Miller.



 

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