Steven Naismith explains contract snub

Rangers forward Steven Naismith has claimed that the uncertainly surrounding the club played a major role in his decision to reject a transfer to newco Rangers.

The Scot also felt that his career would suffer if Rangers lost their status as a top division club in Scotland.

"The reason for the decision I've made is, at this moment in my career, the uncertainty of what division the new company will be playing in," he told Sky Sports News.

"There's too much uncertainty there for me at this stage in my career to be waiting around to see where that is.

"I would hope to be playing at the highest level possible. I feel as though I would be getting held back if I was to move down divisions in Scotland to play."

Naismith now considers himself a free agent.