Weir's family still live in England

Rangers are leaving discussions about defender David Weir's future with the club until the end of the season.

Weir, who is 38 this month but has been inspirational since arriving from Everton in January 2007, has yet to hold talks about a contract extension.

And Rangers manager Walter Smith said: "There's no problem, but his family is settled in England.

"The travelling has not affected him, but we'll see what his thoughts are at the end of the season."

Meanwhile, Smith has played down speculation that he will stand down as manager despite being on the brink of winning four trophies this season.

But the 60-year-old, who penned a three-and-a-half year deal when taking charge just before Weir's arrival, admits that he would be thrilled to see assistant Ally McCoist installed as his successor.

It wouldn't have bothered me if I hadn't received an offer to come back into the game Rangers manager Walter Smith

"There is nothing set about Ally's future," he said of the former Rangers striker, who took his first coaching job as Scotland assistant to Smith before following him to Ibrox.

"If it happened like that then I would be really pleased, but there is no intention on my part to maybe win four trophies and then leave.

"McCoist is different. A guy like myself and Kenny McDowell have worked our way up through the system from reserve team coaching. But, for Ally, it is all new on a full-time basis.

"He got a taste of it with the national team and he gave up a lot to come to Rangers.

"He took the job knowing that, if it didn't go well, it might not last long."

Smith is relishing his second spell at Ibrox but revealed a sabbatical from the game after leaving Everton could have been permanent had the Scottish Football Association not come calling.

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"The two years out were good," he said. "I was lucky - a lot of unemployed people can't afford to be.

"I could afford to be unemployed and it gave me an opportunity to sit back and look.

"I was able to go to games and watch teams without the pressure of having to manage. I found that really refreshing and that gave me a desire to come back.

"The Scotland job came at a good time after my three-month spell at Manchester United.

"Before that, it wouldn't have bothered me if I hadn't received an offer to come back into the game.

"I would have quite happily finished."