STEVEN Gerrard tonight expressed hope that Rangers midfielder Steven Davis will agree to sign a new contract and extend his stay at Ibrox in the coming weeks.

Northern Ireland captain Davis returned to Gerrard’s starting line-up this afternoon and picked up the Man of the Match award in the 1-0 Premiership win over Kilmarnock.

The 36-year-old’s current deal runs out on May 31, but his manager believes he still has a huge amount to offer and is optimistic that he will put pen to paper on a new one.

“He is vital to the team, a real big player for us and his consistency levels have been outstanding,” the Liverpool and England great said.  

“I hope when I sit down and have the one to one with him that he is still as enthusiastic to carry on beyond the end of the season. Because I still think he has loads to offer. 

“We are lucky to have him and he was outstanding again today. He is really pushing himself in the running for Player of the Year for me without a shadow of a doubt.” 

Gerrard added: “He never speaks, he is always quiet. Listen, we have said to a lot of the players and their representation that there will be a time to sit down and talk. 

“I think we are at a really important stage of the season, a really exciting part, and all the focus needs to be in the games and the results. 

“When we get the right opportunity we will sit down, have a discussion and be respectful to what he wants and where he sees his career.

“If you look at him on a daily basis and the performances he has given I see no signs that he is ready to call it a day. 

“My advice to him would be play as long as you can. Because that is probably one small regret I have - that I did not play on a bit longer.”