If you’ve been reading Vital Rangers articles for the last few years, you will know how fond we were of a former academy striker who is now in the Premier League with Brentford.
Nathan Young-Coombes wasn’t as prolific as Tony Weston but we’ve rarely had a player who was so dependable on the big stage. Old Firm derbies, UEFA Youth League or cup finals, it seemed inevitable that the London-born forward would get his name on the scoresheet.
Covid-19 and homesickness unfortunately led to the youngster heading back down south to be closer to home where he has settled in with 27 goals in his first season for Brentford’s B team.
Very much a modern day forward in that you couldn’t pigeon hole him as a number nine or a winger, NYC’s biggest strengths are his finishing ability and footwork, qualities that have now seen him attract the attention of Southampton, according to a report in The Sun, QPR, Swansea City and Bournemouth also looking to take him on loan.
One of the 19-year old’s best attributes is his self confidence and how much he backs himself every time he steps onto the pitch, it was this quality that made me think he had a real chance at Rangers because it’s fine having ability but if you don’t believe in yourself or can cope with the pressure, then you have no chance.
Young-Coombes will be a name to keep an eye on over the next few years and he could well turn out to be one that got away.