All are the wrong side of 30 and only Numan is an automatic first choice. And it was for that reason that McLeish wanted to keep the Dutchman, who has already indicated that a switch to the less demanding league in America might appeal as he has been struggling with niggling injuries over the past couple of seasons.

He said: “I think Arthur is not sure what he wants to do. He also wants to know what my own thoughts are and there is no doubt I would like to keep someone like Arthur Numan.

“He’s a terrific player. He’s a winner and also a good footballer. His use of the ball, linking defence and attack is of a very high standard and he’s also a defender who knows his onions.

“I think he’s playing at his peak but Arthur knows his own body. Maybe he is feeling too many niggles but his experience and know-how should enable him to continue at the highest level.

“He will have a fitness base in the bank that he has amassed over the years and dictates that he doesn’t have to train every day at full pelt the way the younger ones do.

“Leaving would be Arthur’s decision. I would like him to stay. We will have to wait and see,” added McLeish, whose side face Dunfermline in the quarter-finals of the CIS Insurance Cup at East End Park tonight.

One player who appears to have a long-term future at Ibrox is 19-year-old Stephen Hughes, who earned a contract extension at the start of the season.

But it's the short term that concerns him as he is finding it difficult to break into a team that has Barry Ferguson and Mikel Arteta at its hub.

Hughes burst on to the scene at the start of last season when injuries opened the door for him and fellow youngster Maurice Ross.

But while Ross has gone on to establish himself as part of Berti Vogts’ Scotland squad, Hughes has been left behind.

Ross made his mark on Scotland’s tour of the Far East in May but Hughes, who had also been selected, had to stay at home because of a knee complaint.

He said: “Obviously I would love to play with Scotland but I need to play with Rangers first and establish myself here and play week in, week out like Maurice and Barry are.

“That’s the level I need to be at before I’m playing for Scotland.

“Maurice has played a fair amount of games this season as well. On the Hong Kong tour he played really well and after that he has not looked back.”

Hughes, who is trying to build up strength in his legs and upper body with post-training sessions with the physios, is aware that other players before him have felt the need to leave the club to find more first-team football.

But Hughes insisted that was not in his thoughts. He said: “I’m not even looking that far.

“I’m looking to play here and I will work my hardest to play here.”