Russell Martin says it is not his job to sort out a new Rangers contract for John Souttar - but has made his feelings clear on the matter.
The central defender looks set to have a key role to play under the new manager this season after being named captain for last night's 3-0 Champions League qualifying win over Viktoria Plzen, partnering Nasser Djiga in the heart of the backline.
The pair were impressive as they helped shut out the Czechs while their teammates struck three at the other end.
Souttar is out of contract next summer after previous talks on a new deal stalled without any progress.
Martin says he has made clear to the player, and to sporting director Kevin Thelwell, how he feels about him and his contract situation.
"It’s not my job, mate, so I'm really pleased about that," he said post-match.
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"John knows how I feel about him, Kevin and the gang know how I feel about him, and I think he's been great. I think he's going to be really important for us.
"But on the contract front and all that, it will be dictated by John, by his agent, and by the hierarchy here. So I will keep giving my opinion for sure, but it's not my job to sort that stuff out, thankfully."
The 28-year-old was given the armband in the absence of club captain James Tavernier, who started the game on the bench.
Asked if that meant Souttar would continue in the role when the Englishman is out of the team, the manager added: "I think John has real leadership qualities and he can definitely step into that. But you have Jack, you have a few other guys that can do it, and Nico has done it before.
"I chose John because I believe he has the respect of everyone in the dressing room. He's played really well for us already and showed real willingness to do what we're asking him to do.
"He's brave, he's a man, and we have quite a young group on the whole as well. I think it was an important choice for us tonight and he did it brilliantly. I'm sure if he does it again, he'll keep getting better."
