Money isn’t motivation to return, says Adam

CHARLIE ADAM has opened the door to a return to Scotland this month by telling Rangers and Hearts that money isn’t his prime motivation. Frozen out at Stoke City under Gary Rowett, the English Championship side will not stand in the 33-year-old’s way if a potential suitor north of the border is willing to offer him a deal. Adam came through the ranks at Rangers before moving on to Blackpool, Liverpool and Stoke. Now without an appearance since featuring against Bristol City on October 27, though, the 26-cap Scotland international would welcome interest from any would-be

suitors. Insisting that playing football rather than earning pounds is now his main driver, the Dundonian said: ‘It’s not about the money. It’s about coming and playing and enjoying it. ‘It’s about going to a club where you have an opportunity to play, express yourself and show people you’re still a good player. ‘I’ve never doubted that I’m a good player. The only thing for me is I’ve not played. ‘When I get playing regularly, I’m confident I can get back to playing the way I can and looking to other things in the future.’ Steven Davis is also poised to complete his return to Ibrox from Southampton this month. Whether as an alternative to the Northern Irishman or alongside him, Adam admits the prospect of returning to the club he played for between 2004 to 2009 would hold enormous appeal. ‘The Rangers thing is something that’d interest me,’ he added. ‘Absolutely. I’ve been back more times this season than the last four or five years. It’s going in the right direction. Steven (Gerrard) has put his authority on the club. The players are playing well, with unbelievable confidence. ‘The manager’s got it on a playing field where it’s competitive. What a hell of a result against Celtic.’ Linked with a move to Hearts over Christmas, Adam says the prospect of playing for Craig Levein again is equally as enticing. ‘I had a good relationship with Craig at Scotland and I like Craig as a manager and as a person,’ he said. ‘He’s straight, honest, says it how it is, like me, and sometimes he upsets people. He’s a good guy, he’s done terrifically well.’ Dundee, Adam’s boyhood heroes, and St Mirren, where he had an early loan spell, are other possible options. ‘I’ve not missed a day’s training,’ he stated. ‘I’m fit and ready to go. ‘Now it’s about time I got out and played, enjoyed it and showed people I’m still ready and willing to contribute wherever I go. I’m open to whatever is there. At the moment, there’s no contact.’ Meanwhile, Rangers target Jermain Defoe is free to leave Bournemouth this month. The 36-year-old has made just four substitute appearances in the Premier League this season. Cherries manager Eddie Howe is believed to be willing to let the former England striker move on amid interest from fellow top-flight clubs and the English Championship. Gerrard is interested in bringing Defoe to Ibrox, but the salary he could receive elsewhere makes a move unlikely at this stage.