As Rangers prepare to lift a legendary 55th title there will four senior players many credit much of our success to.
Rangers veterans Allan McGregor and Steven Davis have proved vital for Steven Gerrard’s charges as they put in show-stopping performances in their twilight years.
Both have long held an affection and association with Rangers and time will tell if they’ll be around to support the club’s venture into the Champions League next season.
But it’s this competition which can convince the other two senior stars – with time ticking down on their contracts – to sign new Ibrox deals.
Rangers captain James Tavernier and vice-captain Connor Goldson have been – to put it mildly – absolutely massive in our charge for the title.
Both have displayed the consistency of Champions with both stars essential to both how we play and how we win matches, Tav and Connor coming up big on plenty of occasions this season.
But with both at an interesting juncture in their career, Tavernier, 29, and Goldson, 28, they may well fancy a proper crack at the Premier League before they call it a day.
There’s no argument here – both are good enough.
But where that creates a kind of unspoken Catch 22 is with regarding their current contracts with Rangers.
Heading into next season two of the club’s most important assets will be heading into the final year of their contracts.
For them, their next deal will be a particularly vital one with their ages dictating that opportunities down south may dwindle should they sign on long-term at Ibrox.
Similarly, Rangers will want to protect their own financial interests and if they can’t sign this all-important duo down on new deals then cashing in might be the only option.
That is where the £30m riches of the Champions League become all-important – not only can it help offer the two improved terms but Rangers can be clear they need commitment ahead of the expiration of their contracts.
Both players are unlikely to get a crack at Champions League football elsewhere – particularly down south – and Rangers may not be able to offer them it if they do not commit to the club.
This situation will surely come to a head come the end of the season but for me – and to protect the interests of everyone involved – a two-year deal for both ensures security for everyone involved.
Both James Tavernier and Connor Goldson can lead us back into the Champions League whilst Rangers protect two of the club’s most important assets.
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard provided an injury update regarding the currently crocked James Tavernier with some disappointing news regarding the knock.
