Naismith pens new Rangers deal

Rangers forward Steven Naismith has signed a new contract that will keep him at the Glasgow club until 2015.

Naismith has impressed for Rangers this season netting eight goals in their bid for a third successive Scottish Premier League title.

The 24-year-old, who also scored for Scotland in a 3-2 defeat to Spain in October, said an extension to his stay at Ibrox was inevitable.

“I’m happy to sign for the long term and hopefully now a few of the other boys do as well,” Naismith told Rangers’ official website.

“We didn’t speak that long and there was never any doubt I’d sign.”

Rangers assistant boss Ally McCoist echoed Naismith’s delight at the new deal.

“I’m absolutely thrilled. Steven’s a great kid and this season he’s come on leaps and bounds,” McCoist said.

McCoist, a Rangers legend, is also hoping that in-form striker Kenny Miller signs a new contract.

Miller, who has already netted 20 goals this campaign, is out of contract at the end of the season and Rangers are eager to secure his services on a long-term basis.

“We would all be delighted if he stayed,” McCoist said.

“It’s not over the line yet but we are very, very hopeful that Kenny will be staying here and signing a new contract.”