Rangers youngster Zak Lovelace continued his explosive form for the club’s youth team by banging in a double in a 3-2 UEFA Youth League victory over Napoli.
The Ibrox side reportedly held off stiff Premier League competition to sign Lovelace, 16, from Millwall in the summer despite the fact the kid made his debut at the Den as a 15-year-old.
And it’s a move which is already looking like it could reap major dividends as Lovelace continues to impress at Rangers youth level, this time against Europe’s elite.
Rangers had raced into an impressive two goal lead at the Stadio Giuseppe Piccolo in Naples, with recent Ibrox debutant Robbie Ure scoring before the impressive Lovelace made it two.
Napoli would then haul themselves back into the match before half time but then Zak Lovelace finished the scoring from the penalty spot shortly after the restart. Read the club’s official match report HERE.
Zak Lovelace catches eye v Napoli as Rangers set up UEFA Youth League showdown
The result and performance over Napoli adds to the burgeoning reputation of Zak Lovelace who continues to impress at Rangers, with high hopes regarding the player’s future at the club.
Speaking after the game, the talented striker discussed the goals following the final whistle.
“I’m glad, it was a hard game,” said Lovelace [Rangers].
“They did pretty well in their ground but we came on top, and I’m always happy to get two goals, it’s my first goals in the UEFA Youth League.
“We conceded two sloppy goals, we knew as soon as we come back out we can’t let that happen again. After we scored the pen, we knew we were winning the game.
“I feel like this level challenges me, this game to score two goals, I’m buzzing.”
Making his first team debut against Queen of the South in the League Cup this season, something tells us it won’t be the last time we see Zak Lovelace this campaign, the striker already scoring nine goals in the B Team set-up.
The result against Napoli keeps the Rangers U19s’ UEFA Youth League knockout progression hopes alive with the group coming down to the final day against Ajax.
Meanwhile, a Premier League club has been showing Rangers what they’re missing on social media.