Rangers defender David Bates keen to show Scotland credentials in Old Firm game
Friday 9 March 2018 07:54, UK
Rangers defender David Bates hopes to show Alex McLeish he is ready to play for Scotland by nullifying Celtic’s frontline on Sunday.
The 21-year-old centre-back has established himself as a regular in the Gers side under new boss Graeme Murty since arriving from Raith Rovers in August 2016.
A series of strong performances from Bates have even kept Bruno Alves out of the side in recent weeks and he is keen to prove his worth to McLeish, who names his squad for the friendlies against Costa Rica and Hungary this month on Monday.
But his immediate focus remains on the Old Firm game - live on Sky Sports - as Rangers look to close the gap on rivals Celtic to three points by securing a victory at Ibrox.
"I'm concentrating on games for Rangers right now and trying to keep my place in this side," he said. "That's a tough job with the centre-halves we have at the club.
"If I keep carrying on like I am, other things like Scotland call-ups will take care of themselves.
"Sunday is the type of game where you can show you are ready for that next step. All the big games like those against Aberdeen, Hibs, Hearts - if you can perform in those big games and have done it against the so-called smaller teams, it shows you're ready for that next level.
Live SPFL
"It would be good [to get named in the squad] but I'm just concentrating on the game in hand now. Rangers is first for me and trying to stay in the team as long as possible."
Bates was given his opportunity to impress when Alves limped out of the last Old Firm game in December.
He performed well in that game and has now started all 10 of Rangers' fixtures since that goalless draw.
"I came in and did well in that last game at Parkhead but it was never a doubt for myself that I'd do well," he added.
"It was no real shock to me. I knew myself that if I had to go I'd do fine. I went in, did my job, did the basics and sometimes you need to do that.
"I tried not to read too much into the reaction I got to that performance as you could always go out and have a bad game the week after but it was obviously good to get some good comments and for people to realise I was a good player.
"I'm just going game by game. The more I've been playing the more confident I feel. I feel that I'm playing better and better each week."
Watch Rangers v Celtic on Sunday. Coverage begins on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football at 11:30am.
