Ross Perry reveals why he knew 21-year-old enforcer would be a Rangers star
Former Rangers defender Ross Perry has revealed he always believed David Bates was capable of going on and playing for a club like Rangers after watching him make the breakthrough at Raith Rovers.
Perry played alongside Bates for the Stark’s Park side when the youngster was just taking his first steps as a first-team player.
Bates would move to Ibrox on a development loan in August 2016 before agreeing a permanent switch to the Ibrox giants 12 months ago.
Perry – who had two years in the Rangers first-team before leaving the Gers to join Raith – admits that despite Bates’ lack of recent game time he put in an “impressive” afternoon’s work as he kept Celtic’s strikers quiet.
“I think David always had the qualities to play for a huge club like Rangers,” Perry said, as quoted by the Scottish Sun.
“At Raith Rovers he came in from the youths. He was still a kid but you could see the makings of a top centre-half.
He had the stature, he is strong, and that stands you in good stead. He had a presence as well.
“David had plenty of potential and it’s great to see him thriving in an Old Firm game, especially at Celtic Park.
“He has been a little bit in and out of the team but the way he played was so impressive.”
Bates was named man of the match in Saturday’s Old Firm clash after coming off the bench to replace Bruno Alves after only 17 minutes.
The 21-year-old was also named man of the match when Murty’s side beat Aberdeen at Pittodrie recently after not having featured for almost five months.
Bates’ current Ibrox deal comes to an end in May although the defender will be hoping his recent performances and work on the training ground will convince manager Graeme Murty to extend his stay with the Gers.
In other Rangers news, David Bates is a fan of the job Graeme Murty is doing
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