Bailey Rice is a player who is next in line to follow the likes of Leon King and Alex Lowry by earning a promotion to the Rangers first team on a permanent basis.
The 16-year old has just signed a new long-term contract until 2026 and it gives Michael Beale some time to see if he can handle the step up.
When asked about his midfield injuries after the stunning 1-0 win over Real Betis, Bailey Rice will have loved the manager dropping his name into the reckoning for minutes in Rangers midfield, via Rangers TV.
The Scotland youth international has been the talk of speculation already in his fledgling career, an indication that it isn’t just Beale who rates him.
Bailey Rice game time hint from Rangers boss Beale
With Tom Lawrence hobbling off and Kieran Dowell, Todd Cantwell and Nicolas Raskin already on the sidelines, Beale was quick to add Bailey Rice as one of his options for the Rangers engine room when asked about player shortages:
“The balance with John Lundstram sitting and Jose Cifuentes jumping to press with Tom was good.
“We’ve got Ryan Jack and I’m telling you that we have a heck of a player in Bailey Rice.
“He’s not 17 until the end of next month but when I introduce him to this madhouse and protecting him is important.
“But I’m telling you, he’s ready.”
Bailey Rice is exactly the type of player that Rangers need just now.
Since Steven Davis started to decline post-55, there hasn’t been another midfielder capable of dictating play like the veteran hall of famer.
Rice has a long way to go to be talked about in the same breath as the Northern Ireland legend but comparisons to Davis and another great in Barry Ferguson give you an idea of his potential and playing style.
In Bailey Rice, Rangers have a player who can control the tempo of a game and protect the defence, given the lengthy midfield injury list, could Beale put his money where his mouth is?
All eyes on the Motherwell and Livingston team news over the next week to see if the talented teen gets his chance to impress.
