Before the transfer window existed, if Rangers lost any players through injury, they would just go out and buy a replacement.
Times have changed and the purse strings are considerably tighter as Philippe Clement looks to rebuild a squad that needs more work than one window can fix.
The manager has vented his frustration at the number of valuable players who have left Rangers without bringing in any funds but his attempts to integrate more Auchenhowie graduates should be applauded.
Robbie Fraser looking to take Rangers chance
One such player is Robbie Fraser who, speaking to The Rangers Review, has revealed what the Rangers boss has told him as he looks to make the step up to cover Ridvan Yilmaz as Clement gets linked with a move for Domagoj Bradaric in a cut-price £1.7m move.
First of all, the 21-year old left-back will have to fight his way past Jefte who is the man in possession of the jersey after impressing against St Johnstone.
The Brazilian has added defensive concentration to his obvious attacking flair and could be a real threat to Ridvan when he returns from injury.
For the next 4-5 weeks though, it is Fraser who will be pushing Jefte.
When asked about his relationship with Clement, the young Ranger said:
“He’s really positive towards me, talks to me and he really sees a bright future for me. He just says keep doing what I’m doing.
“He doesn’t want me to change. Keep the same attitude, keep the same work ethic because he can see the quality in the pitch from me and that’s nice to hear.
“He’s not necessarily told me I’m going to get X amount of games, but he just said keep doing what I’m doing, opportunities will arise, just like Saturday night against St Johnstone.
“I just need to be patient. I know there are some top players around my position. It’s understandable that I might not get the minutes I want, but I’m working in a great environment and I can only see myself getting better.”
Fraser proving that hard work pays off under Clement
It is easy to see why Clement would love Fraser and trust him enough to give him a chance.
He’s hard working, loves the club and will listen to every word that his manager tells him in the hope that he can get into his team.
As the B team captain before his promotion to the senior squad, Fraser is well respected by coaches throughout the club and is proving that mentality is every bit as important as technical ability.
The academy doesn’t have to produce players like Barry Ferguson, however, if it can develop ones like Robbie Fraser and Ross McCausland to play a part in the first-team squad, then it is playing a key role.
And few are as deserving as Fraser in terms of how hard they have worked to get their chance.
