Rangers defender Leon King started in midfield for the Scotland U21s in a European Championship qualifying draw with Hungary.
The 19-year-old Rangers centre-back was pushed forward by manager Scot Gemmill in the eventual 0-0 draw in Budapest.
Leon King was also joined in the starting XI by fellow Rangers Academy graduates Adam Devine and Robbie Fraser on a solid day for the club’s youth players.
Rangers playmaker Alex Lowry – who is currently on loan with Hearts – and midfielder Cole McKinnon were also unused substitutes in the match.
Manchester City talent Adedire Mebude, who came through the youth ranks at Ibrox, came off the bench to replace Leon King in the second half.
Leon King plays in midfield for Scotland U21s
The decision to move Leon King up a level will also be of interest to Rangers fans, who are actually yet to see the young defender this season.
Traditionally a centre-back, the Manchester United-linked talent is very good on the ball and has that progressive vision to play in midfield.
Rangers fans will hope to see more of Leon King as the season progresses with the Scotland U21s defender called upon last season at a challenging time for the club.
Injuries meant Leon King played in every one of Rangers’ Champions League group stage matches last season, where the club was humiliated, and the defender has been taken out of the limelight ever since.
If Rangers cannot guarantee Leon minutes in the weeks and months ahead, perhaps sending the kid out on loan will help aid his development.
Young Gers on course for Slovakia
Rangers fans will be encouraged by the inclusion of the club’s youngsters in the Scotland U21s set-up.
It’s something which is in stark contrast to the senior team, where a lack of Rangers representation at Scotland level is hampering the squad.
The result follows on from an impressive 2-0 victory over Belgium earlier in the international break and means that Scotland sit 2nd in Group B of qualification for the tournament.
Rangers will be hoping their young representatives can continue making an impact on the squad and that they make it to the tournament, which is set to be held in Slovakia in 2025.
