Rangers’ U20s are set for a major test next week, when they take on Sevilla in the UEFA Youth League.
David McCallum’s side have been very impressive in the competition so far, particularly given that several key B team players are ineligible.
The likes of Charlie McCann and Juan Alegria have had to sit out but Swedish and Bulgarian youth champions have already been swept aside with minimal fuss.
The Young Gers hammered Hammarby IF 5-1 on aggregate in the first round of the Domestic Champions Path and then thrashed Septemvri Sofia 7-2 over two legs.
That earned them a playoff spot against a runner up from a Champions League Path group and Sevilla came out of the hat.
Rangers will have to be at their best to down Sevilla
The Andalusian club just missed out on top spot in Group G to Red Bull Salzburg, but finished above both Lille and VfL Wolsburg and will face Rangers in a one-leg showdown in Dumbarton on Tuesday night.
Tony Weston has been the key man so far for McCallum but Northern Ireland youth international Ross McCausland, who signed a substantial contract extension at Ibrox earlier this season, has also been an important player.
Ahead of the tie, Rangers shared some comments from the 18-year-old forward about the competition.
“The emotions are just heightened in a game like this,” he said [Rangers B and Academy Twitter]. “They’re big games, playing against big opponents in this prestigious tournament.”
It’s certainly a step up in standard from the Lowland League, which the B team have impressed in so far this season, and it would be a major achievement if Rangers could progress.
When the Young Gers met Atletico Madrid at this stage two years ago, a team featuring Nathan Patterson was soundly beaten 4-0.
First up, though, is a Lowland League clash against Dalbeattie Star on Friday night.
Meanwhile, we feel Gio van Bronckhorst made a major selection error against Celtic.
