Following the Rangers Development XI’s defeat to Partick Thistle on Tuesday evening, Serge Atakayi spoke to RangersTV.
It was the 20-year-old’s big return to action after a long time out of the picture at Ibrox.
He posted on Instagram on Monday evening asking for playing time, and his wish was subsequently granted by Graeme Murty. It turns out injury had been keeping him out of the limelight since July, rather than a fallout or an impending transfer.
Atakayi was named on the bench, and he replaced Brandon Barker with a little more than 20 minutes left on the clock.
Rangers youngster Atakayi eyes Europa League spot
Despite only playing a minor role in the fixture, though, it appears the 20-year-old is backing himself to be involved in the biggest game of the first team’s season so far, against Legia Warsaw.
“Feeling good, a little tired – a long time no play,” Atakayi told RangersTV after being asked about his return from injury. “Looking forward again to Thursday, just keep training hard, keep pushing. I will be there.”
Verdict
It’s great to see Atakayi, one of the Gers Academy’s brightest prospects, back in action.
Picking up an injury when he did was hugely unfortunate, given it meant he had no real chance to impress in pre-season, following his loan stint with SJK Seinajoki in Finland.
It’s clear that he has the ambition to get back involved under Gerrard, who handed him a senior debut against Motherwell last November.
Yet, there’s no chance he’ll play a part for the Gers on Thursday evening. Even the most established players would struggle to be included for the biggest game of the season on the back of just 20 minutes of Development team action.
Besides, Atakayi’s name is nowhere to be seen on Rangers’ Europa League squad list [UEFA.com].
Given the number of wide players now on the books at Ibrox, it will be tough for the youngster to kick on from last season’s first-team debut. There’s plenty of time yet though, and the key is that he gets himself fully fit and performing at Development level, first.
