Thomson is over his growing pains and ready to slot into Gerrard’s side
RANGERS Meet the academy graduate who’s desperate to usurp ex-Prem heroes
a lot of confidence, and we get chances to train with the first team as well. I just want more of that and more chances to progress.
“It has been really stopstart at times, so I would get an injury, come back and then pick up another one. It was all due to growing. I am over that now and I am really pleased to be back playing.
“You appreciate it more because it is difficult when you are coming in every day and you are not able to play. You appreciate so much more when you are
playing.”
Time out of the game and off the park is frustrating for every player, but perhaps even more so for a youngster that is desperate to rise through the ranks and showcase his talent.
The moments that Thomson did not have a ball at his feet were tough. But he ensured every day was put to good use as he strives for success once again this season.
“It is so frustrating but you need to come in every day and work your hardest, even if that is not playing football,” he said.
“I still believe you can improve without actually playing football. You can visualise and analyse things, go to the gym, you can always improve yourself. “Obviously it is not always easy to think like that and I have had down times due to injuries.
“But you grow from it a lot and I am in a better place now. Everything is good.
“I still wouldn’t want to go through what has happened but it has made me stronger. I was out of my comfort zone so I am able to deal with a lot more going forward now, which is a positive.
“You need to take the positives out of situations that happen. I believe that everything happens for a reason.”
Thomson has long been earmarked as a potential first-team player at Ibrox and he was rewarded with a new contract last May that will keep him at Rangers until 2020.
He is one of a handful of kids at the Hummel Training Centre that have been involved with Gerrard’s squad this term as the 38-year-old keeps an eye on his up-and-coming talent.
After more than a decade within the Gers system, he is now ready to knock at the door. Whether it is at Rangers or elsewhere, he is determined to make a name for himself.
Thomson said: “It is never in your mind when you are that age, you are just playing football because you love it. I still do love it, but it has become a means to live rather than just a hobby so it is a bit more serious.
“You have got to come in every day and love what you do and work your hardest to get the most out of it.
“A few years ago I said to myself that I was going to become a footballer and that nothing was going to get in the way of that. I don’t know what level that will be at yet obviously but I will do my best to make sure it is at a top level.
“It was never really in my mind to do anything other than football to be honest. I did do well at school, I got five Highers, but I picked what I enjoyed, not to do anything in particular because I was just so focused on being a footballer.
“That breakthrough could be round the corner, who knows? I just need to come in every day and work hard.”
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