Exciting 16-year-old talent Leon King was pictured training with the Rangers first team on Wednesday ahead of the Premiership clash against Kilmarnock.
The Gers welcome Killie to Ibrox on Saturday looking to get back to winning ways following a disappointing draw at Livingston last weekend.
Steven Gerrard is coming under fire for not showing faith in the club’s Academy prospects following Ross McCrorie’s move to Aberdeen.
Three promising youngsters were given the chance to impress the manager during training on Wednesday, though, with Leon King, James Maxwell and Josh McPake all pictured taking part in the session.
Three Academy stars take part in Rangers first-team training
16-year-old King is the most highly-rated of the trio, with the centre-back turning down interest from top Premier League teams to sign his first professional deal at Rangers last season [Scotsman].
King captains Scotland at U17 level and while he’s yet to make his senior debut, he warmed up with the squad at Ibrox ahead of a Scottish Cup clash against Stranraer back in January.
He’ll be hoping to impress with the Colts this season and perhaps regular involvement in first-team training is part of his individual development plan that would have been discussed before he signed professional terms.
James Maxwell and Josh McPake, both 18, are a little older than King and have been around the senior team before.
Maxwell received playing time during last season’s winter trip to Dubai, while McPake made his Gers debut in the Europa League against St Joseph’s last July before joining Dundee on loan and subsequently slipping down the pecking order.
It’s perhaps unlikely that any of the trio will make the Rangers bench at the weekend, but they will each be looking to prove their quality to the coaching staff with a view to breaking through in the near future.
