Rangers youngster Ciaran Dickson has told RangersTV he is looking to kick on at Ibrox after Steven Gerrard included him in the matchday squad for the recent Europa League clash against Benfica.
The 18-year-old midfielder was one of 12 substitutes named for the important group stage match at the Estádio da Luz and he took his place on the bench alongside the likes of Kemar Roofe and Ianis Hagi.
He was never going to make it onto the pitch, but he got a chance to sample the matchday experience as a first-team player.
Dickson took advantage of the international break to drop down to the B team on Tuesday night and he played the full 90 minutes of a 3-1 win over League Two side Brechin City.
Reflecting on recent events after the game, the Scotland U19 international said he’s pleased with his progress but is looking to keep progressing.
“I’m enjoying being there (with the first team) and if I can come around here for 90 minutes to make up for what I’m not getting over there, then I’m happy,” he told RangersTV. “I’m taking it day by day and I’m enjoying showing the gaffer and all the backroom staff what I can do.”
“It was great to see that I’m reaping the rewards from what I’m showing and if I can keep doing that then, hopefully, it’s just the beginning of something.
“Going in and training with the first team lads is a different ball game, there’s a higher tempo there so it can only improve me as a player.”
Rangers fans have been crying out for homegrown talent to break through into the first team at Ibrox, so plenty will be pleased to hear that Dickson isn’t satisfied with making a solitary matchday squad.
Gerrard has a plethora of options in midfield right now, so it’s highly unlikely the teenager will be receiving a debut any time soon.
However, age is on his side and if continues to graft away over the coming years, there could be a future for him at the club.
