As far as timing goes, this one was impeccable.
Michael Beale was asked today about the chances for youth prospects given some injuries amongst his forward players to which he responded that they need to make the case on the pitch.
The young Gers team recorded a convincing 5-1 win over Partick Thistle in the Glasgow Cup at Auchenhowie this afternoon, which was the platform that the manager mentioned.
⚡️ A strong Glasgow Cup performance.
📸 Check out the Match Gallery.
👉 https://t.co/Lldl8oxsIa pic.twitter.com/Kku1TKYD6i
— Rangers B & Academy (@RFC_Youth) January 17, 2023
Robbie Ure and Zak Lovelace were the two to be quoted as having a potential open door ahead, to which came the response:
“Well, they’re playing a game here this afternoon at the training ground, so it’s a good time for one of them to play well.”
Options
The five goals came from Tony Weston, Zak Lovelace, an own goal from Thistle, James Graham and rounded off by Robbie Ure leaving the boss with plenty to think about.
Sunday’s clash with Aberdeen will have taken plenty out of the players given the very heavy pitch and the 30 minutes of extra-time then there was the injury sustained by Kemar Roofe. On top of the existing concern around Antonio Colak, there is clearly scope for another forward player to make a contribution over the next few games.
With Ure already having a first team goal to his credit this season and the impressive form of former Millwall prospect Lovelace, it is likely to be that duo at the front of the queue when the challenge is set by Beale. Fixtures such as Kilmarnock away and particularly at St Johnstone with an overwhelming Rangers support are the ideal time to seek to give further exposure to the young lads in order to further their development but that will only come with making an impression in and around training with the seniors, in addition to their expected impact with the B team.