Lee McCulloch explains why Steven Davis is struggling at Rangers

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Steven Davis has struggled to get going at Rangers since returning to Ibrox on loan in January from English Premier League side Southampton – and Lee McCulloch has told Sky Sports that his lack of match sharpness is affecting him.

The 34-year-old joined alongside Jermain Defoe, with the veteran England striker joining the club from AFC Bournemouth. Though Defoe has impressed in glimpses, Davis has been far from the player Rangers fans remember.

The former Fulham man has managed just 10 appearances in all competitions for Steven Gerrard’s side, starting only four of those matches. Indeed, he has failed to show the kind of quality Rangers fans know and love.

Ex-Rangers captain McCulloch believes it is a lack of game time and match practice that is preventing Davis from breaking into Gerrard’s senior side.

“On paper, Steven Davis and Jermain Defoe have been fantastic signings, but have not been match fit,” McCulloch said. “Davo’s just not had that game time to get him up to match sharpness.

“You can’t argue with the recruitment. It’s just not clicked the way they wanted it to. They cannot afford to let this season fizzle out – they have to mount a challenge.”

TBR’s view

There is no doubt that Davis has not had the desired impact at Rangers since joining the club in January. But giving him time and the chance to rediscover match fitness in pre-season will help him get there.

The 105-time Northern Ireland international is a free agent this summer. Spotrac claim that his contract is worth a whopping £60,000 a week, but Gerrard should hand Davis a 12-month deal – at a much-reduced rate.

If the Gers can convince Davis to return on a much smaller wage, then they can give him the chance to regain his fitness in pre-season and become the player Rangers fans remember.