Rangers B boss David McCallum was buzzing with enthusiasm when speaking of the development potential to be gained from the UEFA Youth League, following on from the excellent 3-2 win over Napoli last week.
Goals from Mackenzie Strachan and Charlie Lindsay had given McCallum’s lads the lead before the Italians levelled, only for Robbie Ure to secure the winner at Firhill.
The Youth League mirrors the senior Champions League in terms of opponents and schedule. Following their narrow defeat in Amsterdam, this was exactly the type of desired response from the young Gers and there was plenty to please the coaches. That was in terms of the result and performance, as well as the development gained from exposing and testing the players on this stage against the best from across Europe.
Zak Lovelace, at just 16, played and made his mark, as noted by McCallum, speaking to Rangers TV:
“We want to continue to push young talent. It’s about having that potential and getting them into moments when they’re ready.”
“If you look at the impact Zak Lovelace had in his duration on the pitch – he was more than comfortable and really effective at this level. You look at Bailey Rice coming on as a 15-year-old and I was really pleased for him to do that. Archie Stevens also got a good portion of the game.”
Ambition
Yes, it is important for Rangers to be competing and giving a good account of themselves at this level but it’s what the boys get out of it which is most important.
Only a few years ago, Nathan Patterson featured in the same tournament and his rapid rise to prosperity and the Premier League shows just what can happen as well as setting the bar for the likes of Lovelace and Lindsay to aspire to.