Rangers manager Michael Beale has hinted that teenage midfielder Bailey Rice could be in line to face his former club Motherwell at Ibrox.
The Gers boss has added to the growing hype around the 16-year-old who made his Ibrox debut against Livingston at the end of last season, less than one year on from joining from the Fir Park side.
Coming through the Academy in Lanarkshire, Rangers have since tied Bailey Rice down on a longer deal with Michael Beale talking about the midfielder after the win over Real Betis.
With the likes of Manchester City and Newcastle United linked, as well as Premier League rivals Everton and Aston Villa, the new contract is considered smart business at Ibrox.
And Michael Beale added fuel to the burgeoning fire around the Scotland youth international by suggesting Bailey Rice could be in line for more Rangers minutes v Motherwell.
Michael Beale: Bailey Rice “ready” for Rangers minutes
Claiming that the player is “ready” for more first-team action at Rangers, the Ibrox boss spoke in glowing terms about the youngster.
I’m telling you that we have a heck of a player in Bailey Rice,” said Beale.
“He’s not 17 until the end of next month but when I introduce him to this madhouse and protecting him is important.
“But I’m telling you, he’s ready.”
With the Rangers midfield hit with a series of injuries, long-term absentee Steven Davis being joined by Kieran Dowell, Todd Cantwell and Nicolas Raskin, it presents an opportunity for the Ibrox talent.
Michael Beale knows a good player when he sees one having grown a big reputation in youth coaching at Liverpool and Chelsea and that authority makes his praise of Bailey Rice genuinely exciting.
There’s a wonderful symmetry to the fact that against Motherwell, the club where it all began for the kid, could be where he begins to prove it.
