Rangers star Andy Halliday has praised defender Jordan Houston after the Academy kid made his competitive debut in the 3-1 Scottish Cup win over Cowdenbeath.
Houston replaced Daniel Candeias to make his first-team bow as Steven Gerrard’s side secured a fifth-round tie with Kilmarnock.
Stand-in skipper Halliday thinks Houston has earned his chance after impressing in training and reserve games.
“Delighted for him” Halliday told Rangers TV.
“When Housty’s trained his application every single time has been second-to-none. His performances in the (reserve) games I’ve watched have been exemplary and I think he grabbed his chance in the Helsinki friendly.
MORE RANGERS STORIES
“I thought he was one of the standouts when he came on and nearly grabbed a goal himself. I’m sure it’s a proud day for him and his family.”
Houston has been in the Gers’ Academy for years and has been on the fringes of the first-team for a few seasons.
The right-back has had a tough time with injuries but has worked hard to put himself in Gerrard’s plans.
The youngster is a regular in Graeme Murty’s reserve side and has regularly impressed in their climb to the top of the Reserve League table.
After impressing during the friendly win over HJK Helsinki, Houston earned his chance to appear for the first-team.
With Gerrard putting his faith in a number of the Gers youngsters, Houston’s appearance will hopefully be the first of many for the full-back.