Rangers manager Gio van Bronckhorst watched as his youthful side cruised to a 3-1 win at Tynecastle this afternoon over Hearts with Academy stars Alex Lowry and Cole McKinnon getting on the scoresheet alongside Cedric Itten – and the Dutchman was delighted to see McKinnon enjoy a ‘special moment’ by scoring on his debut.
Lowry – who was Rangers’ best player over the 90 minutes – scored just before half-time to give Rangers a 2-1 lead before McKinnon rounded off the scoring in the closing stages of the game.
“We know the qualities of Alex Lowry in one-v-ones, he is dangerous,” van Bronckhorst told Rangers TV.
“Cole McKinnon had a great year with the B team and he started and finished the attack for his goal, it is a special moment for him to score on his debut, not many players can say that.”
Speaking to the media after the game, van Bronckhorst spoke more about his young player, insisting they accepted the expectation to pick up three points as they “dominated,” saying: “They performed really well and we dominated against a very good side with a very young team, so I’m really proud of my players, especially the youngsters.
“Once we pull on the shirt we’re expected to win the game and they accepted that really well.”
Rangers prove kids are alright in Tynecastle win as McKinnon and Lowry score
Having so many Academy players in the side this afternoon is a huge show of faith in the club’s youth system and makes for a very bright future.
Lowry seems to have cemented himself in the first-team squad moving forward while the likes of McKinnon will be hoping they can continue to impress.
After an excellent season for the B team, you wouldn’t rule out a place among the subs for McKinnon next weekend in the Scottish Cup final with Lowry.