WE’VE GOT FIRM FAITH IN FUTURE
OLD FIRM Under- 20 coaches Ian Durrant and Stevie Frail hailed Andy Murdoch and Kieran Tierney as perfect role models for aspiring youngsters looking to make their mark.
Durrant and Frail will go head to head at Hampden tonight when holders Rangers meet Celtic in the Youth Cup Final.
Gers icon Durrant has tipped midfielder Murdoch, who forced his way into the first team this season, to be a regular for years to come.
Durrant said: “The likes of Andy Murdoch and Tom Walsh have gone into the first-team squad so in terms of progression it has been a great season.
“I keep saying to the young boys if they work hard they might get their chance. Andy’s the perfect example.
“The work and dedication he put in and extra training has got him where he is and he got his rewards.
“Andy has just signed a three-year contract and the manager loves him.
“I speak to Stuart, Kenny Black and Gordon Durie and Andy’s one of the first names on the team sheet. That’s the ethos of the youth academy. I’m proud Andy is in there.”
Durrant played in the first Youth Cup Final against Celtic in front of 25,000 at Parkhead in 1984 and joked he still has the stud marks.
He said: “Celtic had a strong team and we lost 2-0. Myself, Robert Fleck and Derek Ferguson played and we progressed to the first team. But the Celtic side had Peter Grant – and I still have the studmarks!”
Frail insists Hoops boss Ronny Dei la has high hopes for Tierney who made his first start against St Johnstone last Friday
He said: “Ronny is aware of who is coming through and keeps in touch daily.
“Kieran was terrific considering he’s just back from a leg break. Before that he was flying, the manager liked him and he was training with the first team.
“Other young players see what he’s achieved and they know the pathway is there.”
Tickets are not on general sale but fans can watch for free at: youtube.com/ ScottishCupOfficial.