Lowland League block Gers kids’ German jaunt
Rangers were prevented from playing in one of Europe’s most prestigious youth tournaments by Lowland League clubs, according to the event organisers.
The Ibrox side were invited to play in Germany’s famous Obendorf Tournament for Under-19s, which attracts some of the biggest clubs in Europe.
But although they accepted the invitation, they realised the tournament would potentially clash with the opening-day fixtures of the Lowland League.
The Light Blues, along with Celtic and newcomers Hearts, were controversially allowed back into the fifth tier league as “guest clubs” after a U-turn by their rivals, who initially weren’t happy at three Premiership Colts teams being included.
Obendorf Tournament director, Oliver Hauer, has revealed Rangers wanted to postpone their opening-day match in the Lowland League to allow their youngsters to play German outfits Schalke and Freiburg, plus Danish side, FC Midtjylland, in the tournament instead.
However, they were denied permission to postpone games, and their place in the youth tournament has now been taken by Spanish club, Villarreal.
Hauer said: “We agreed with Rangers for them to play. What was missing was approval from the Scottish associations.
“Rangers already play with their Under-19s in a Scottish league, and their first matchday was the same time as the tournament at the end of July.
“The associations in Scotland left the decision to the other teams, and Rangers had a week to convince their opponents. But they wouldn’t agree to it.
“We will definitely try to sign the Scots for one of the next tournaments because Rangers really wanted to come.”
The Lowland League will announce their fixtures a week tomorrow.
Meanwhile Aberdeen, poised to sell Calvin Ramsay to Liverpool in a deal that could rise as high as £6.5-million, will not be pushing to get a youth side into the Highland League.
Sources indicate the possibility was discussed when Rangers and Celtic’s tie up with the Lowland League was first mooted.
The Dons decided instead to keep faith with the loan system for bringing on their young players, and remain happy to do so.
An example is the progress made by Ramsay’s fellow teen, Connor Barron, following spells with Brechin City and Kelty Hearts.
The Scotland Under-21 internationalist, who made the Player’s Young Player of the Year shortlist last season, has attracted interest from Celtic and Brentford.