Nathan Patterson is the perfect example as to what Rangers should be hoping to achieve with their young players, Billy Gilmour isn’t far behind.
The Scotland international duo grew up together through the ranks of Auchenhowie and are now regulars for their country and in the Premier League.
Both have also been the subject of multi-million pound transfer moves with the SFA producing a mini-documentary on how a premature exit from Rangers has seen Billy Gilmour become one of the most consistent midfielders in the country – earning a bit of stick from Patterson in the process.
Former Rangers star in Billy Gilmour wind up
It’s well documented how close Gilmour came to staying at Rangers.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing but, at the time, the club was in turmoil on and off the park as it tried to settle down following years of neglect.
Graeme Murty was the long-term interim manager after Pedro Caixinha had been an expensive mistake.
The decision to leave Billy Gilmour in the stands rather than give him what would have been a record-breaking Rangers debut as part of a Scottish Cup squad at Ibrox is one that cost us dear.
Would things have been different if the 22-year old had stuck around another six-months or so to see Steven Gerrard being appointed?
What talented young midfielder wouldn’t want to work with one of the best to play the game?
His rise through the ranks at Chelsea, eventually saw the brave move confirmed as being the right one to make and you have to wonder if they regret selling him now that he is doing so well.
Gilmour’s quality on the pitch can’t be questioned, however, his acting and presenting skills leave a lot to be desired, as reminded by Patterson on X.
Both players were products of the SFA JD performance schools pathway in which extra training and mentoring is provided for the country’s brightest talents.
It’s amazing how two boys, who played together in the academy when they were eight years old, have hit the heights that they have.
Hopefully, Gilmour doesn’t give the day job up though, and maybe give dreams of presenting Match of the Day a swerve.
