Smith has taken Fleck under his wing at Ibrox

Rangers manager Walter Smith has urged Danny Wilson and John Fleck to improve as players before considering their futures with the Ibrox club.

Wilson turned down a recent contract offer made to him by Rangers, though it is understood to be keen to remain with the league leaders, as is Fleck.

"Their concentration should be on starting a career and laying a good foundation," said Smith.

"I don't think that anything that goes on round about it should matter."

Smith previously said he expected Wilson and Fleck to leave Rangers after both turned down new deals.

The two 18-year-olds both have 18 months left on their current contracts.

When you're starting out in football the only thing you should be concentrating on is actually playing football and getting the opportunity to do so Rangers manager Walter Smith

Wilson has regularly deputised for Madjid Bougherra in defence this season, while forward Fleck's first-team opportunities have been limited.

"When you're starting out in football the only thing you should be concentrating on is actually playing football and getting the opportunity to do so," said Smith.

"I don't think whoever the manager is matters that much when you're 17 or 18, I think what matters is that you're applying yourself to what you want to do and what you're starting to do.

"I think a more experienced player can consider the situation more seriously in a club, whereas I don't think that matters to a younger player."

Meanwhile, Rangers defender Kirk Broadfoot echoed Smith's comments and urged both players to remain at Ibrox, but understood their desire to secure their futures in football.

"It's up to them what they do in their careers, but they're quality players and will have a good future in the game.

I don't see any harm in them staying here a bit longer, but it's up to them what they want to do in their careers," said Broadfoot.

"If they're going to be here and playing every week, there's no bigger stage than to be playing for Rangers, but it's their careers and only they can make the decision.

"It's a short career, and everyone has got to look after themselves.

"Who knows what could happen around the corner, one of them could get injured and that would be their career over.

"You can see how many games they've played for the first team already, but for now I don't see why they should leave a club like Rangers."

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