From Lindsay Herron in Holland

WALTER SMITH has announced that Davie Weir will lead Rangers into the new campaign.

The 38-year-old centre back who is such an influence will be captain while Barry Ferguson recovers from the ankle surgery he had last Monday.

And Smith says he is a deserving candidate for the way he has managed to keep himself in such fantastic shape.

He said: "David Weir will captain the team while Barry Ferguson is injured. He has done it before.

"David was a big part of our major success last season. It is not an easy decision for any manager to make or even talk about when it comes to a player's age but he deserves tremendous credit.

"Initially we signed him for a year and he did really well for us but it is starting to come into the equation when you get to 38.

"Paolo Maldini is 40, was going to retire and then changed his mind so you have to compliment these guys for the discipline and professionalism.

"Good luck to all of these guys but nobody deserves it more than big Davie for the way he conducts himself.

"I have not come across a more honest professional. He is a great man but he has a lot about him as well; he does not like losing."