Former Rangers youth Matty Yates starred for Stranraer in a dramatic extra-time Scottish Cup triumph over Brora Rangers on Saturday.
Yates started his career with the Rangers academy and showed an eye for goal at age-group level.
However, with competition for places in forward areas fierce at Auchenhowie, the decision was taken to allow him to join Hibernian in February 2020 [Edinburgh Evening News].
The onset of the pandemic quickly halted his progress in the capital, though, and he moved again before the year was out, joining League Two side Stranraer in November in search of competitive senior football [Stranraerfc.org].
Since then, the 18-year-old striker has turned out ten times for the Blues, with his most recent outing coming on Saturday afternoon in the Scottish Cup against Brora Rangers, who had shocked Hearts in the previous round.
Yates came off the bench in the 63rd minute as the away side searched for an equaliser and he played a big part in a dramatic turnaround.
The former Gers youth was involved in the build-up to the away side’s 88th-minute equaliser before he netted himself in the 100th minute.
Thomas Orr’s long-range strike seven minutes later settled any lingering nerves and Stranraer progressed to the fourth round courtesy of a 3-1 victory.
It’s the second time that Yates has made a telling contribution in the Scottish Cup this season, as he also netted a brace in a 5-0 win over Spartans FC in the first round on Boxing Day.
Yates may not have managed to break through at either Ibrox or Easter Road, but his superb Cup returns are proving he does have what it takes to succeed at senior level.
Meanwhile, a former Rangers striker netted a hat-trick on Saturday as his sensational form continues.
