McCulloch commits to extended Ibrox stay

Rangers midfielder Lee McCulloch has signed a two-year contract extension with the club, who moved to tie the 32-year-old to Ibrox until 2013 in the wake of interest in the player from south of the border.

It is understood that Ipswich and Blackpool were keen to sign the former Wigan player but yesterday he pledged his future to Rangers.

Manager Walter Smith signed the former Motherwell striker in July 2007 and he established himself as a key player in a holding midfield role last season, making 44 starts and three appearances off the bench.

McCulloch told the club website: "I want to be a part of things at Rangers and now I'm really looking forward to the season ahead. My extension offer came about very quickly and it was a no brainer to sign. (Chief executive] Martin Bain and the gaffer asked me what I wanted to do and I told them I wanted to stay. It was nothing to do with money - I just wanted to be here trying to win trophies."

McCulloch spent time in Wishaw General Hospital earlier this week after being hit by a viral chest infection, but is now back home and looking to make the starting line-up after he serves a two-match suspension.