Rangers teen Kyle McClelland came out on top as he went head to head with Ibrox team-mate Jack Thomson as Falkirk beat Clyde 2-1 – with Gers assistant manager Gary McAllister an interested spectator at the Falkirk Stadium.
Both players started the game on the bench but were introduced within minutes of each other, Thomson coming on at the start of the second half, while McClelland was introduced shortly afterwards when Bairns defender Ben Hall was forced off through injury.
The Northern Ireland youth international was making his league debut for Falkirk, having already played twice in the Scottish Cup against Arbroath and Celtic since joining the Bairns.
McClelland came up against former Scotland international striker, and one-time Rangers target, David Goodwillie denying the striker a 1ooth goal for Clyde and helping Falkirk take a massive step towards winning the League One title.
The 19-year-old defender was strong in the tackle and marshalled Goodwillie well, slotting in alongside Mark Durnan at the heart of defence, and looking more than capable against the striker.
With Southampton reported to have an interest in luring the teen south of the border, these sort of performances will help catch the eye – although McAllister will have been happy with what he witnessed from the defender.
McAllister will also be happy enough with the performance of Thomson with the midfielder looking comfortable anchoring the midfield and charging into challenges as the Bully Wee tried to launch a comeback.
After a lengthy injury history, it’s good to see Thomson playing with no issue and looking like he will get a chance to live up to his undoubted potential.
Meanwhile, Rangers U18s defeated a Premiership club on their long-awaited return to competitive action on Friday, with an exciting new arrival making the matchday squad.