Kenny Miller admitted to his surprise at seeing Leon King as well as Charlie McCann deployed from the start against Dundee United at Ibrox on Saturday.
He backed both players, praising their abilities but made the point that it was not expected given the other recent arrivals in the Summer transfer window – which in itself is another talking point at present.
King and McCann did themselves no harm with their performances with the latter making his full debut. They did not look out of place and have earned their spots on merit, as alluded to by Miller. It gives great encouragement to other lads in the youth academy that the pathway is there including a manager who is prepared to give game time to youth.
It certainly wasn’t a risk in terms of the United match as Rangers collectively should have put the game beyond doubt well before the final whistle.
Miller told Go Radio:
“They’re good players, there’s no doubt about it. Did I expect to see it? No I didn’t to be honest.”
“Not when you have put that investment in to the backline but I think it shows how much Giovanni trusts them. They’re obviously doing their best in training every day, showing up and have earned their slot because he wouldn’t have handed it to them if he felt they didn’t deserve it.”
Both players will continue to be involved in and around the squad, with this obvious carrot dangled in front of them. It also may have been a kick up the backside to certain others with a clear message sent.