DAVID BATES hopes he can nail down a place at the heart of the Rangers defence and earn himself a new Ibrox deal this season.

The defender is out of contract at the end of the campaign but the Light Blues are keen to talk to his representatives about an extension to his terms.

Bates joined Graeme Murty’s side in the United States last week and helped the Gers to Florida Cup victories over Brazilian outfits Atletico Mineiro and Corinthians.

That action in Orlando came just days after he turned in arguably his finest performance for the club in the draw with Celtic at Parkhead.

Boss Murty is keen to add further reinforcements to his squad before the end of the transfer window but Bates is confident he can rise to the challenge and prove his worth at Ibrox.

He said: “I just need to keep trying my hardest and play as well as I can and stay in the team if I can. If anybody else comes in, I just need to keep playing well and hopefully the gaffer will stick with me.

“Of course I want to be here. I have supported Rangers since I was young.

“When I first came, it was a dream. Hopefully I can stay for as long as I can. I want to play here so we will see what happens.

“I just need to try and keep playing my football and these things will take care of themselves.”

Rangers returned to Glasgow on Saturday evening having made the most of their time in the Sunshine State and recorded two impressive Florida Cup wins.

Murty’s side were 2-0 down at the Spectrum Stadium but a double from Alfredo Morelos and goals from Andy Halliday and James Tavernier earned the Gers a fighting victory.

January recruits Sean Goss and Jamie Murphy made their first two appearances on the trip and Bates is encouraged by the shape of the Light Blues ranks.

He said: “Sean has come in, Jamie Murphy, Andy, Michael O’Halloran coming back on loan. The squad has got fresh legs in it now.

“You could see [on Saturday] that Sean’s left foot is brilliant. He plays the ball out very well.

“That’s what the gaffer wants us to do and he’s a really good player for that.”

Rangers have now turned their attentions to the Scottish Cup clash with Fraserburgh ahead of their return to domestic action.

And Bates is expecting a tricky afternoon as Belllslea Park as the Highland League side look to upset the odds on Sunday.

He said: “We want to go as far as we can. It will be a tough trip up there. They’ll be right up for it.

“It will be a cup final for them. We need to go out and play our best.”