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Weir and Smith complete awards double for Rangers

David Weir has appeared in every SPL game this season © Getty Images

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Rangers defender David Weir was typically modest before collecting the Scottish Premier League Player of the Year award, but he was gushing in his praise of fellow prize-winner Walter Smith.

Weir claimed Smith deserved to be regarded in the top bracket of managers in the Scottish game after the 62-year-old scooped a double for Rangers with the manager's award.

The former Scotland and Everton boss also tasted title success as assistant to Dundee United boss Jim McLean in 1983 and Weir believes his manager should now be regarded as one of his country's greatest.

"He is the ultimate,'' Weir said. "What he has done for Rangers, for Scotland, for Dundee United prior to that, his career in football has been touched by success whatever he has done. Sometimes when you are in the presence of it you don't appreciate it.

"I think it's time he gets the credit he deserves for what he has done for a great number of years for his club and his country. I can't speak highly enough of what the manager has done.''

When asked if Smith was among Scotland's best managers of all time, Weir said: "I don't think there is any doubt, he is. That's not up for debate. His success is an incredible achievement over a number of years in football.''

Weir's continuing achievements in football have been recognised as outstanding by the panel put together by SPL sponsors Clydesdale Bank. The 39-year-old has played very minute of each SPL game so far this season, but he will not begin to contemplate his own or his club's achievements until Rangers have secured the silverware.

"The team is always the most important thing and we have not actually won anything yet,'' Weir said. "Although it's nice to get this award, hopefully the big award is still to come. I'm happy that we're top of the league and I have played the majority of the games. That's how I judge myself. I can do better and there are things I'm not happy with but ultimately you are judged on how you do in the league. We're in a good position but, as I say, we have not won anything yet.''

Smith admitted he was delighted to pick up the Manager of the Year gong but despite being delighted with Weir being named as the SPL's best player this season, insisted any of his players could have been worthwhile candidates.

Weir could be celebrating again next month after being shortlisted, along with team-mates Kris Boyd, Steven Davis and Andy Webster - on loan at United this season - for the PFA Scotland player of the year.

"It has been a real team effort, I don't think there is any doubt about that," Smith said. "We have a situation where we have a great number of players in our team who have played exceptionally well.

"We have a small group of players so we have had to rely on a lot of them to do well over the season. They have managed to do that for us and we are delighted that has been the case.

"I wouldn't say I'm surprised. When you have the same group year in, year out as we have had, a lot of the boys have been with us for about three years, and we know they can achieve a level of success.

"The only thing about this season was the fact that we worried about injuries and suspensions and other things affecting us. We have managed, so far, to get over that aspect of it and it leads us within inches of another championship.

"That's been a terrific thing for us, it's been a terrific performance by all the players at the club this season. Maybe one of the major benefits we have had is that we have been together for so long.''

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