By Andrew Dickson

WALTER SMITH is adamant uncertainty about his own future as Rangers manager should have no bearing on whether Danny Wilson and John Fleck stay at the club.

The teenage pair turned down new contract offers last week and the Ibrox boss believes they will now pursue moves to English football.

But Gers hope the situation can be resolved and that terms can be agreed with the two prospects to keep them in Glasgow instead.

Smith himself is working without a contract at present as he and his coaching staff wait for a new owner to come into the club.

But while that might affect the decisions some older players make with regards to whether they stay on, he doesn't feel that applies to Wilson and Fleck.

Smith said: "I can probably understand where they are coming from but when you're starting out in football, the only thing you should be concentrating on is playing.

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

"While a more experienced player might consider the manager's situation, I don't think that matters much to youngsters.

"Instead their focus should be on making a good start to their careers and laying the foundations for the future."