Aaron aims to extend stay at Rangers

Spanish youngster Aaron Niguez is determined to force his way into manager Walter Smith's plans so that he can remain at Rangers beyond his two-year contract.

Expectations were high when the 19-year-old arrived on loan from Valencia last August, having already featured in the Champions League and represented Spain at youth level. However, the winger has had to be patient during his debut season at Rangers and has so far made just three substitute appearances.

Rather than fear he had made a mistake coming to Glasgow, the teenager is determined to make the most of his opportunity and even extend his stay. "It would be great if I could stay longer than two years here, that is my aim," he said. "But, to do that, I have to show the manager what I can do.

"At this moment, there is so much to play for with the club hoping to win three trophies and, if we win the league, we are in the Champions League, which would be fantastic.

"I played in this tournament for Valencia against Roma but only for 20 minutes due to injury. But the dream for me is to one day play in the Champions League again with Rangers. I think we have a great chance to win the title this season."

Aaron opened his goalscoring account for Rangers in a 4-0 win over Forfar in the Scottish Cup last month and dedicated the goal to the club's supporters for making him feel so welcome. He said: "I am very settled in Scotland and even happier now that I have played for the first team and scored a goal against Forfar. That, of course, was very special for me, one of the best moments of my life. When I went on the pitch that night, I could hear the fans shouting my name.

"That made me very happy and it was a great feeling to score as you could see from my celebration. I knew that I would get a yellow card for taking my top off after scoring but I was so excited I did not know what I was doing.

"The goal was for my family back home and for the fans who have been so kind to me and made the move to Rangers so special."

Smith has revealed David Weir could spend another year at the club. The veteran defender initially joined on a short-term deal in January 2007 but his impressive form has seen him remain at Ibrox.

Smith has refused to rule out the possibility of Weir, who will be 39 in May, renewing his contract once again in the summer. He said: "He is showing that he could go again [for another year]. His experience, professionalism and fitness mean he is able to handle anything thrown at him."