DAVID WEIR has paved the way for a sensational return to Everton FC after announcing his imminent departure from Rangers.

Weir yesterday confirmed he would leave Ibrox on Friday having seen his first-team opportunities limited this season.

The 41-year-old, who was brought to Rangers by Walter Smith in 2007, has fallen out of the picture under Ally McCoist.

Everton manager David Moyes wants to recruit short-term centre-back cover following Phil Jagielka’s knee ligament injury, a need which has become more pressing with the recent absence of Sylvain Distin.

Shane Duffy, the 20-year-old Republic of Ireland under-21 centre-back, has made his first Premier League appearances in Everton’s last two games.

But Moyes is seeking more experienced cover, and Weir – who made 269 appearances over eight years for Everton before leaving for Ibrox – may come under consideration as a stop-gap.

Speaking about his exit from Rangers, Weir said: “It will be an emotional week because it’s the end of five years for me at Rangers, five years I have loved.

“I’m not sad about it, I’m happy that I got the opportunity to play for such a great club.

“During my time here I have got to play with fantastic players and work with great coaches and on top of that we achieved a lot.

“I have so many memories to look back on and I am very proud of that, I wouldn’t change it for the world.

“But it’s not been a difficult decision, if anything I probably prolonged it.”