Davis: Rangers should view fans' growing expectations as a ‘privilege’

Rangers players should view the growing expectations of fans as a “privilege” to play under, according to former Ibrox midfielder Steven Davis.

Danny Rohl has put Rangers back into the Premiership title race since replacing Russell Martin, with the Light Blues and Celtic currently both six points behind leaders Hearts.

With their title rivals playing each other at Tynecastle, Rangers will strengthen their position if they beat Dundee at Ibrox on Sunday.

Davis knows all about dealing with the pressure of playing for Rangers after winning 10 major trophies and playing in two European finals over two spells.

“You can’t speak about it until you live it,” the 41-year-old told the Press Association. “It’s very difficult to explain.

“That’s why the staff and players who have been there for a number of years have to pass on their experience and help players through difficult moments, because you will have setbacks throughout the course of the season.

“It’s not going to be plain sailing between now and the end of the season, but they’ve got a fantastic opportunity to get silverware and ultimately, it’s on the players.

“I do believe that the squad’s starting to look stronger. There’s more confidence coming into the team.

“At Rangers, expectation should be there on a weekly basis. In all honesty, it’s a different level that a lot of players will have faced before in their career, but it should be seen as a privilege.

“I enjoyed that pressure. It wasn’t always easy but you have to thrive on it and see it as a privilege rather than as a negative thing, because it’s a huge club. It’s got a tradition and history of winning trophies.

“You come to the club wanting to put your own stamp on it and be part of the club’s history and ultimately to do that you have to win trophies.”

Davis had two games in interim charge of Rangers before Philippe Clement was appointed and he had been tipped as a contender to join Rohl’s backroom team.

“Obviously the coaching staff seems quite settled now,” Davis said. “I’ve seen the rumours and it’s obviously something that further down the line, potentially, I would always be open to, because obviously it’s a club that’s very close to my heart.

“I’m in the process of doing my badges and working with the Northern Ireland national team as well, so I’m really enjoying that. But I didn’t hear anything this time, so who knows in the future?

“I just want to see whoever’s in charge and the staff around him bringing success to the club, because it’ll make us all happy.”

Davis was in Scotland on Sunday to carry out the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup fifth-round draw, which paired Rangers with either Stranraer or Queen’s Park.

Davis added: “Of course, the league’s vitally important for everything that brings in terms of Europe and the finances and everything, but the Scottish Cup’s got a special feel about it as well and you want to get your hands on as many trophies as possible.”