IAN DURRANT reckons Steven Davis might be the most significant and enduring signing of Walter Smith's second spell in charge at Rangers.

Since Barry Ferguson's move to Birmingham City, Davis has revelled in his new-found responsibilities.

The Northern Ireland international - a £3million signing from Fulham a year ago - has been inspirational occupying the central role vacated by Ferguson, and Durrant described Davis as a new role model for the next generation at Murray Park.

"When a fantastic player like Barry goes you look for another one to step up and Steven has more than done that," said Durrant, speaking at the launch of the new publication, The Official Rangers Hall of Fame.

"That is why there has been scrutiny of the midfield. Steven is a role model to kids: they just have to look at him train and see what he brings. If young boys can mirror that when they come round to the first team at Murray Park, then they are on to a good thing.

"He had a good grounding: he played at a young age at Aston Villa, went to Fulham and has played big games for Northern Ireland. He has learned the game quite quickly.

"Some young boys you have to manufacture and coax along, but he has it all to a tee."

Durrant, one of the most elegant midfielders of his generation, knows the real deal when he sees it and said he was surprised at the ease with which Fulham allowed the Irishman to parade his skills in the SPL.