Ainsworth and the win at Rotherham

By David McIntyre

Gareth Ainsworth’s season looks over – but the winger has already done enough to secure a new deal.

Ainsworth’s current contract is due to expire at the end of the season and the knee injury he suffered at Rotherham could have been disastrous for him had he not already convinced Ian Holloway he was worth keeping.

The Rangers boss this week told Ainsworth he was being offered another contract, while top scorer Paul Furlong is close to putting pen to paper.

Kevin Gallen and Marcus Bignot, whose contracts were also due to expire this summer, have both signed for two more years.

But the news is not go good for Rangers’ other soon to be out-of-contract players.

Gino Padula has been told to prove his worth after a disappointing season and as things stand, the Argentine is on his way out.

The outlook for Jamie Cureton and Richard Edghill is even bleaker. They look certain to go and although keeper Chris Day has returned from a loan spell at Preston, his days also look numbered.

And Tony Thorpe was yesterday (Thursday) expected to complete a loan move to Rotherham. Following an injury-plagued season and the recent arrival of Dean Sturridge, his future is also in doubt although the door has not been closed on him.

But Ainsworth has been spared.

"I’ve told him he’s a ‘yes’ – he’s going to be offered a contract," Holloway confirmed.

"Gareth would run through a wall for me and this football club, and I’m going to look after him.

"It looks like he might not play again this season but he was in great form and his attitude is such that I don’t want to be without him.

"He’s an important player to have around and we’re going to need him next season."

And which division Rangers will be in by then is still not certain after victory at Millmoor boosted their play-off hopes.

Martin Rowlands’ goal eight minutes into the second half was enough to secure three potentially crucial points and lift the Rs up to ninth in the Championship table.

Rowlands has recently been handed the chance to play in his preferred central position and has responded with his best performances of the season.

Holloway admitted: "He’s trying to make a point and I have to say I do like the look of him in the middle.

"He can play on either side and that gives me real options but he wants to show what he can do in the middle and looks pretty impressive."

Holloway is still keen to beef up the centre of his midfield – especially as Rowlands may be needed on the right to replace Ainsworth, while both Georges Santos and Marc Bircham are a booking away from a two-match ban.

A bid to sign Tom Doherty from Bristol City proved fruitless, and other targets have now been identified including West Brom midfielder James O’Connor.

Rangers also made pre-deadline enquiries about Birmingham’s former Manchester United forward Dwight Yorke, but their only expected signing before the 5pm cut-off point was that of promising defender Dominic Shimmin from Arsenal.

A fee was agreed for the 17-year-old and Shimmin, who is regarded as an outstanding prospect, was set to sign as the Gazette went to press.