Five academy kids who can make the grade . . .
IF they are good enough, they are old enough. Giovanni van Bronckhorst will provide the opportunities, and it is up to his Ibrox kids to take them.
On his first day as Rangers manager, the Dutchman made a commitment to the next generation as he promised to assess the up-and-coming talents within the academy.
But time will tell which rising stars have the talent and the mentality to make the breakthrough as they attempt to follow Nathan Patterson’s example and make a name for themselves with the Scottish champions.
Patterson is the inspiration for those within the Auchenhowie academy. Here, we take a look at who could be next to emerge from the B Team ranks if Van Bronckhorst opts to promote from within at Ibrox.
LEON KING Age: 17 Position:
Defender
King has long been touted as one of the brightest prospects within the youth system and he committed his future to the champions by agreeing a new deal until 2024 last week.
Made his first team debut in the League Cup tie with Falkirk last season and earned a Premiership appearance in the win over Livingston.
A Scotland youth internationalist, King has been linked with a series of big clubs but he will now be part of Van Bronckhorst’s squad this term as he looks to make his mark at first team level.
CHARLIE MCCANN 19
Age:
Position: Midfielder
The Republic of Ireland youth made the move from Manchester United in July as Rangers completed a lengthy pursuit to bring him to Ibrox.
McCann established himself as a mainstay in the Reds’ Under-23 squad and was brought on board for the Lowland League campaign this term.
A holding midfielder, he is under contract at Ibrox for another couple of seasons as he aims to catch Van Bronckhorst’s eye and challenge in a congested midfield.
CHARLIE LINDSAY
Age: 17
Position: Midfielder
Playmaker moved to Glasgow from Glentoran a couple of years ago and arrived with a big reputation as he put pen-to-paper with his boyhood heroes.
Lindsay had previously turned out for Rangers at the prestigious Alkass Tournament and had become the youngest player to make an appearance for Glentoran, aged just 16.
Rangers were first alerted to the Northern Irishman by scout Phil Cowen and there are high hopes that he can progress towards the first team over the coming seasons.
ALEX LOWRY 18
Age:
Position: Midfielder
A creative presence with an eye for a goal, Lowry has been an impressive performer for the B Team in the Lowland League this season.
Lowry was included in the first team squad by Steven Gerrard as the champions faced Partick Thistle in a preseason friendly at Firhill last summer.
Didn’t get on the park on that occasion but his reputation is continuing to grow as he catches the eye domestically and in the UEFA Youth League.
TONY WESTON 18
Age:
Position: Striker
Rangers fended off stiff competition from England to land Weston on a three-year deal last summer and the effort looks like paying off after a clinical start to life north of the border.
Scouse striker made his Blackpool debut in the FA
Cup win over Maidstone in December 2019 but turned down the chance to remain with the Seasiders.
Leads the Lowland League scoring charts with 19 goals to his credit already this term and a loan spell further up the SPFL pyramid would be an interesting test for the second half of the campaign.