Rangers boss Philippe Clement has hinted that an academy talent could be called upon against Aberdeen amid a run of injuries in midfield.
The Ibrox manager was facing the press ahead of the Scottish Premiership trip to Aberdeen and broke the news regarding a fresh Ryan Jack problem.
Whilst the Scotland international has not been ruled out entirely, Rangers are also without Belgian midfielder Nicolas Raskin heading into the Pittodrie battle.
When asked about the situation, Philippe Clement hinted that the club could be forced look at an Academy solution in the middle of the park.
“It’s going to be interesting (who plays amid the injuries),” said Clement.
“Of course (the injuries have an impact) because it’s another role that Ryan was doing, so you need to look at other profiles.
“That’s totally correct so do we pick out of the senior ones who are fit or do we need to pick out maybe one of the youngsters. We need to see.”
Philippe Clement turns to Academy?
Attentions will then turn to who the Rangers manager might be considering to come into the team against Aberdeen.
The obvious choices appear to be the likes of Bailey Rice, the former Motherwell youngster who was tipped for the first-team by Michael Beale.
Despite only being 17-years-old the kid has made two Premiership appearances this season.
Then there is fellow midfielder Cole McKinnon who, since breaking through with a goal against Hearts back in 2022, has seen opportunities limited.
After spending last season on loan at Partick Thistle, Cole McKinnon is back at Rangers and we wonder if he’s impressed Philippe Clement.
Also returning from Scotland U21 duties this week, Rangers might also call upon central-defender Leon King.
The Scotland youth team utilised King as a midfielder during the international break and don’t bet against him fulfilling a Ryan Jack-like role v Aberdeen.
