Rangers have come in for criticism for how they develop young players without a structured pathway.
There are academy players in and around the first team squad but the manager is still reluctant to use them, as seen with the questions raised about Bailey Rice recently.
One approach, which doesn’t have any evidence of success is the loan system, however, Robbie Fraser has grabbed his Livingston chance with both hands as he gets regular minutes away from Rangers.
Robbie Fraser makes instant Livingston impact after Rangers exit
A boyhood Rangers fan, the former B team skipper has lived out his dream by playing in the Europa League and in an Old Firm derby.
With Jefte and Ridvan Yilmaz blocking his path, the 21-year old was always going to struggle to force his way into the starting XI but he has done exactly that after signing for Livingston.
Making his first start against Airdrie – alongside no less than six former Auchenhowie students – Fraser scored his side’s second goal at the Toni Macaroni Arena, his first in senior football, and scooped the man of the match award.
Clement is clearly a fan of Fraser and didn’t want him to leave but a loan move is for the greater good.
A short drive away in Fife, Cole McKinnon was also making his first start at his new club Dunfermline, playing 75 minutes as Ayr Utd won all three points.
Maybe times have changed and the loan system is now a better approach for the Gers prospects on the fringes of the first team.
What has David Martindale said about the signing of Fraser?
David Martindale is clearly a fan of players who have been brought up playing the ‘right’ way with Danny Wilson, Stephen Kelly and Andrew Shinnie all regular starters for Livi.
He is also clearly delighted to have Fraser in his squad:
“I am delighted to get a player of Robbie’s calibre into the building. As a group, he will really enhance us and all of the coaching staff are looking forward to working with him,” Martindale told Livingston’s media team when Fraser signed.
“Robbie is predominantly a left back but can play up one at left wing or right wing so will give us real, additional options going forward.
“He looks after the ball tremendously well and has great energy and enthusiasm for the game. He has had a very good grounding at Rangers and understands the game and in my experience over the years, these types of players are hard to come by in the winter window.
“The board have been very supportive and have found the finances that allow us to make a signing or two in this window, so I must say a huge thanks to John Ward, John McIlvogue and Dave Black as well as Nils Koppen at Rangers, who have all played an important part in getting Robbie in to us here Livingston.”
