Ben Davies, a defender for Rangers, maintains that after getting his first start of the season against St. Johnstone, he never intended to leave Ibrox this summer.
The center-back was acquired by the Gers from Liverpool last summer in a transaction that was reportedly for £3 million but might rise to £4 million.
But injuries have disrupted Ben Davies’ start to life at Rangers with the game against St Johnstone the defender’s first start, and appearance, of the entire season to date.
Ben Davies wants to improve upon St. Johnstone.
As the deadline drew near, there were rumors that Davies wanted to stick it out at Rangers this year despite being linked to a loan move to Stoke City.
And the player, who asserted he never intended to leave Ibrox this summer, has now verified that.
“I don’t think so [ever considered moving back to England],” Davies said.
“I’m not sure what was said about me but as far as I was concerned I was a Rangers player and I wasn’t looking to move.
“My priority over the summer was getting fit and getting back in the team, which I did up in Perth.
“The manager said I was an important part of what he was looking to do going forward. So I took that in and made sure I went and got myself fit. He’s played me at the weekend, so…
“The manager has shown a lot of faith in me since he’s been here. It’s time I repaid that and put some good performances in.”
Speaking after the St Johnstone win, this was Ben Davies’ first start since a league clash with Aberdeen in late-April.
In the last campaign, Ben Davies might’ve played 38 teams but with the league campaign all but surrendered by the time the centre-back got playing regularly, the contribution has not been great enough for the Ibrox support.
With doubts surrounding the defender’s commitment to the cause, it’ll be refreshing to Rangers fans to read these comments.
There is hope that Ben Davies, who will start for Rangers against St. Johnstone, can continue to make an impact at the club worthy of the significant investment made to get him there.