Philippe Clement is a big fan of Bailey Rice but also delivered a brutal assessment of where he has gone wrong.
The teenage midfielder has taken steps forward and now looks set to challenge for first-team minutes between now and the end of the season, which fans have been willing to happen for some time.
Clement admits Rice is improving and has the ability but said he previously hadn’t been ready for his side because he was “non-existent” off the ball.
Rice impressed against Manchester United and Rio Ferdinand was wowed by his display, insisting “the kid’s got something about him.”
And it wasn’t just the former England international who was liking what he saw.
Teammate Ianis Hagi has been blown away by the “really talented” youngster who he feels is ready to grab his chance now.
Connor Barron was similar on Rice and his “brilliant” Old Trafford display.
Andy Halliday agrees with Clement’s Rice assessment
Andy Halliday is pleased to see a number of young players start to be given chances at Rangers.
He is another who is a fan of Rice’s but does actually agree with Clement’s out-of-possession assessment.
Speaking on Open Goal, he said: “Aye, but they were all really young. Bailey would have been under-16s, just getting integrated into the under-18s, but he was always highly thought of.
“But to be honest, what Clement said about him in the media I completely agree with. I’ve watched him loads and he was always really good in possession but out of possession there was no way he could play first-team with the way he was.
“But they’ve obviously worked on it with him and that’s why he’s getting opportunities, so brilliant. That’s coaching, that’s what you need to do with the younger boys.”
Barry Ferguson on Rangers starlet Rice
Barry Ferguson reckons Rice is ready to be a first team player but discussed the challenges coming his way with Lyall Cameron coming in to create competition for places.
He told Go Radio: “I have said it for a number of years. I have seen quite a bit of him and he is a player that has the chances of a real bright future at Rangers.
“He’s now getting a bit of game time. Lyall Cameron has signed so their is competition for places. There is no doubt he has the ability and it is just getting that taste for it and the hunger for more.
“I heard the manager saying off the ball he wasn’t too happy with things he can do better. It is up to young Bailey to go and work on that.
“I don’t see him day in, day out. But what I have seen of him, he has the capabilities to play in the Rangers first-team. At 18 years of age I have seen enough to say he has a chance to be a Rangers player for the next 10-15 years.
“Lyall Cameron has played over 100 games, that is brilliant experience. Not just in the Premiership but also the Championship.
“That is where he has a start on him but look, Bailey has an opportunity now. I thought he came on against Manchester United at Old Trafford and he was exceptional. He wanted the ball and didn’t see overwhelmed with the occasion and who he was up against.
“That tells me a lot about him. Bailey Rice in my opinion is good enough to be playing.”
