Charlie Adam was a great servant for Rangers having come through the youth academy and fought his way into the first-team.
It wasn’t easy for the midfielder during the early part of his career at Ibrox. Despite making his debut in April 2004, Adam wasn’t a regular feature in the senior side until the arrival of Paul Le Guen.
He was farmed out on loan to Ross County and St Mirren between 2004 and 2006 before earning his stripes and becoming a mainstay in the first-team squad.
In fact, Adam ended up winning Rangers’ Young Player of the Year award at the end of the 2006/07 campaign as voted for by the supporters.
That was more than enough for returning manager Walter Smith to hand him a fresh five-year deal in the summer of 2007.
Incredibly, Adam failed to win a SPL title at Rangers but did come away with Scottish Cup and League Cup medals, both of which won in 2008.
He also was a big part of Rangers’ incredible run to the UEFA Cup final that same year, but as we all know, that sadly ended in tears.
Adam made 84 appearances for the Light Blues before his departure to Blackpool in 2009, scoring 16 goals and providing 11 assists.
In recent days with Sam Allardyce’s No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Adam has been looking back on his days with Rangers and the teammates he played with.
He was asked to pick his ultimate career XI for the episode, but only two of his old Rangers pals managed to make the cut.
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Adam chooses Pepe Reina over Allan McGregor
Adam went for Liverpool hero Pepe Reina as his goalkeeper over legendary ex-Rangers stopper and current Ibrox goalkeeping coach Allan McGregor.
He chose the Spaniard due to his technical ability and his international achievements during his career. Adam said: “In goals, I’ve got two decisions – Allan McGregor or Pepe Reina.
“But I’m going to take Pepe Reina. Ultimately, the way he played with his feet, winning the European (Championship) with Spain.
“His career is incredible, he’s still playing now at plus 40 (years old). He’s playing at Como with (Cesc) Fabregas.”
Alan Hutton at right-back
There was no debate for Adam for his right-back slot – he wasted no time in choosing former Gers full-back Alan Hutton.
Hutton and Adam came through the academy ranks together in Auchenhowie, with Adam explaining: “Right-back, I will choose Alan Hutton who I played with at Scotland and Rangers.
“Played through the youth levels with him as well at U18s and the reserve team. Flying machine down that right hand side.
“He got a big move to Tottenham for £9m back in the day, I think it was Juande Ramos who might’ve signed him. Really athletic player and really good going forward.”
David Weir gets honourable mention
Former Rangers veteran defender and current Brighton technical director David Weir was given a mention by Adam, but he ultimately missed out.
Instead, Adam picked Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher and former Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross.
On Weir, Adam noted: “My two centre-backs, some tough choices because I’ve played with a few good lads over the years. David Weir was an experienced guy, a lot older than me.
“But really professional when he came into Rangers. I was still a young kid learning the game but the way he went about it…”
Barry Ferguson completes Adam’s midfield trio
After picking Darren Fletcher and Steven Gerrard in his midfield, Adam completed his central line-up with current Rangers interim manager Barry Ferguson.
Ferguson is one of Rangers’ most decorated stars and captained the club across two spells. Adam explained how Ferguson would always be the one to drive standards at the club.
He said: “I’d probably have to put in Barry Ferguson in there because of the way he controlled the football club (Rangers) and controlled a team was very, very good.
“He went to Blackburn, I think it was Graeme (Souness) who signed him at Blackburn. And then he got a terrible knee injury, broke his knee cap against Newcastle.
“He struggled there, living away from home, but then he went back to Rangers and was an incredible player.
“For a young player like me growing up, he was very tough on me because he demanded and set standards for everybody at Rangers.”
