Rangers U18s face Celtic U18s at Hampden Park tonight, in the Scottish Youth Cup Final.
The game won’t be taking place in front of any fans, but it will be broadcast live on TV.
What’s more, Gers coach David McCallum revealed that Steven Gerrard will be in attendance to assess the young Gers in action.
🏆 “We’re looking forward to it and it’s an opportunity for the boys to go and showcase what we are about and how they play, as a group first and foremost, but also as individuals."
Coach David McCallum previews tonight’s Youth Cup final 📲 https://t.co/eTE2g21n9E pic.twitter.com/YkRpFU55bb
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) April 25, 2019
Therefore, it’s a huge opportunity for all the players to increase their stock. After all, it doesn’t get any bigger than this at age group level.
However, it’s a perfect and timely audition for one exciting talent in particular.
Dapo Mebude.
The pacy attacker signed a new contract with the club before Christmas and is highly regarded within the youth set-up.
happy with my new deal with @RangersFC , glad to finally get it done 😁😁 pic.twitter.com/agjEOhyh2p
— Dapo Mebude (@DMebude) December 15, 2018
So much so, that he looks next in line for a senior debut.
With injury fears surrounding the camp ahead of a fixture against St Johnstone in February, Mebude was recalled from youth international duty with Scotland to provide cover for the first team squad.
🗣️ Steven Gerrard on Dapo Mebude: “We’ve pulled young Dapo back from international duty, just in case. I think he’s got a huge future, huge potential.
➡️ Read more from the manager: https://t.co/fLmkSI5Q6Q pic.twitter.com/8Ys9fAWGo9
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) February 15, 2019
He wasn’t required on the day, but it shows he’s already in the manager’s thoughts.
If Rangers defeat Aberdeen on Sunday, second place will be secured. Therefore, while the cauldron of the Old Firm is hardly a place for a senior debut, Gerrard may look to hand out a few opportunities against Hibs and Killie.
Gerrard will be in attendance at Hampden, monitoring the club’s young talent. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
There will be plenty of eyes and a lot of pressure on both sets of players tonight. Should Mebude rise to it though, it could lead to even greater personal achievements, than a cup winners medal.