Although a non-competitive friendly against English lower league opposition, there’s absolutely no doubt that Friday night was a thrilling evening for Rangers supporters.
A crowd of 41,015 turned up at Ibrox to see Steven Gerrard’s play for the first time, smashing six goals goals past helpless Bury and ramping up the exciting ahead of the European qualifier later this week.
Aside from seeing some of the summer signings in action for the first team, a key feature of the occasion was the amount of academy prospects given a chance to impress by the new manager, with the likes of Glenn Middleton, Zak Rudden and Serge Atakayi all getting minutes on the pitch.
Zak Rudden certainly took his chance too, scoring the sixth of the evening and giving Gerrard something to think about in terms of his attacking options for the coming season.
He netted late on with a real poacher’s effort from close range after excellent work from fellow prospect Middleton.
⚽️ GOAL: Zak Rudden grabs the sixth goal of the game for #RangersFC against Bury at Ibrox in tonight's pre-season friendly. @RangersTV pic.twitter.com/a5wE502sYC
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) July 6, 2018
The 18-year-old hasn’t had a taste of competitive action in the first team and it’ll be interesting to see if he now gets more opportunities to impress from this point on.
These fans are certainly excited by his potential, taking to Twitter to share their thoughts after Friday night’s goal…
Boy looked a better version of Cummings!
— Ian Meechan (@meechan45) July 6, 2018
Great to see Zac score he is absolute quality.
— Dj Smiley (@7Smiley77) July 8, 2018
And for Zak Rudden to get on the scoresheet! This season is looking positive!! ???????????? #letsgo
— Stuart Anderson (@s_andr87) July 6, 2018
He said hopefully first of many for Rudden? Does that mean he is going to get a chance
— Ryan Taggart (@Kungfoochop) July 7, 2018
Hopefully the likes of Middleton and Rudden get decent amount of football this coming season. Time to start making use of the talent we have coming through the ranks.
We looked solid last night all be it against a 4th tier side but exciting times ahead, players look hungry— David Johnston (@davidjohnston54) July 7, 2018
Can see a few of them getting a chance when the time is right bro! Liked the look of Rudden aswell, gives something different up top and worked the line well!
— Deej (@AlwaysRangers) July 7, 2018
Very excited about Rudden. Wanted to see Hardie as well but I’ll take Rudden this year. Middleton looks a baller man.
— RickG (@SirRickG) July 7, 2018
Rudden also looks like the player who will get onto those low balls we keep playing into the box. Very McCoist like.
— Rangers Fans Channel (@Allthingsgers) July 6, 2018
Are you excited by Zak Rudden’s potential? Let us know in the comments below…