Steven Gerrard and Rangers have tied down two of the club’s highly-rated teenagers until 2021.
Stephen Kelly and Matthew Shiels, both 18, have impressed since coming into coming into Gerrard’s first team squad this season. Both are thrilled to have signed on at Ibrox and the news was unveiled by youth supreme Craig Mullholland.
Midfielder Stephen Kelly has in particular been tipped for a very bright future at Ibrox. The talented Shiels – who only turned 18 today – is a left back.
Both are highly rated by Scotland too.
Yet to make breakthrough but it is coming
Both players have been on the fringes at the club but the backroom staff at Ibrox have clearly seen enough to believe they will make their breakthroughs soon enough.
Kelly made an appearance in the pre-season friendly win against Wigan and has been included in a few matchday squads. He also played for the Scotland U19s last week.
Shiels has also played at youth international level for both Scotland and the Republic of Ireland but has yet to decide which side to play for.
This shows ambition for the future from Rangers
Tying these young players down shows Gerrard’s youthful ambition. He has previously spoken about the importance of youth players in his plans.
If Rangers can begin to produce top quality from their academy, the club will be the driving force behind Scottish football both at domestic and international level.
Making players in the mould of the Barry Fergusons and Alan Huttons will excite Rangers fans.
Youth players can also bring huge financial rewards should they make it at the highest level.
However, it’s in making players at the club in the mould of Rangers players, which will have fans excited.
Both young players will be hoping they can make their competitive breakthroughs into the first team this season.
