Arteta's Ibrox vow

Mikel Arteta would prefer to remain in Scotland rather than return to his native Spain, a fact that Alex McLeish is truly grateful for as he attempts to guide Rangers back to title glory.

The 20-year-old Basque declared his desire to ignore overtures from Athletic Bilbao after being given a standing ovation by almost 50,000 fans at Ibrox on Saturday as he inspired the 3-0 defeat of Motherwell which keeps McLeish's side at the top of the Scottish premier league.

McLeish had joked just days before that Bilbao's coach, Jupp Heynckes, could have Arteta on loan for the rest of the season if he paid £10m. However, the serious side to Rangers' current £52m debt is that the more Arteta shines, the more he becomes an asset to cash in on.

"Maybe the club need the money and that's a different situation," said the midfielder, bought from Barcelona in the summer for £6m. "But now is not the time to move for me."

McLeish described the Spanish Under-21 international as "inspirational" as he built upon his goal in the Old Firm derby a fortnight ago by setting up Lorenzo Amoruso and Peter Lovenkrands before Ronald de Boer scored in injury time.