Rangers Academy prospect Jordan Houston has signalled his intent to breakthrough to the Rangers team – even if that means deposing James Tavernier.
In an interview with The Evening Times, Houston spoke about coming through the ranks and making the grade at Ibrox. Still only 18, the next step for the youngster is to get games under his belt.
Whether that means a loan spell or a move into the first team is yet to be seen. But it is at Ibrox where Jordan hopes to make the grade.
“I have been here for so long now, it is eleven years now, so hopefully that next step is first team football,” explains Jordan. “Hopefully I can progress as quickly as possible because that is what I have dreamt of since I came to the club.”
Naturally a right back, Jordan can also play in multiple positions and sees himself as a bit of a “utility player”. But it’s on the right flank where he sees himself as being most effective.
Jordan Houston can learn from James Tavernier
Of course, that spot has been claimed by Rangers marauding captain. But Jordan is eager to learn as much as possible from the Rangers skipper over the next few years.
“If I could hold it down, I would say right-back is my best position and I like to get forward from deep,” said Jordan. “There is no pressure on me competing with the captain!
“He has got great qualities and I think we are similar in terms of what we look to do on the pitch. It will be difficult for me to move anyone out of the team, never mind the captain, but you need to have that will to do it because you want their jersey.
“He has got a great style of play, especially his forward attributes, and there are certainly things that I can implement into my game.”
It’s refreshing to hear such a determined attitude from one of our young stars. Let’s hope he can make the breakthrough in the next season or so and begin to make an impression on the squad. Steven Gerrard has already shown with the likes of Glenn Middleton (19) and Stephen Kelly (18) that he is prepared to give youth a chance.
Failing that, the youngster will probably go out on loan to gain experience and earn his place in the squad.
It’s a process that appears to have worked for one Rangers youngster in particular.
