David McCallum has revealed that Jay Hogarth missed the Rangers B team’s Lowland League fixture on Saturday because he’s currently training with the first team.
The Young Gers defeated Berwick Rangers 1-0 in Dumbarton, with substitute Tony Weston scoring the winner from the spot in the 76th minute.
The hosts were made to work hard for the three points but, in the end, it was a deserved win that highlighted the strength in depth at Auchenhowie.
A number of regular starters were missing from the matchday squad and speaking to Rangers News after the game, B team head coach McCallum explained why the likes of Leon King, Chris McKee and Hogarth all missed out.
“Leon has got a knock at the moment and he’s going through a rehab programme for that. Chris is the same.”
“Jay’s been training with the first team so he’s away with that group just now. We want that, though.
“If those opportunities arise for players and they miss our game then that’s great, that’s what it’s all about.”
Despite only being 18, promising young goalkeeper Hogarth was named on the bench for both legs of the Champions League third-round qualifier against Malmo at the beginning of the season and for the Europa League playoff second leg against Alashkert.
He then impressed in both legs of the recent UEFA Youth League first-round win over Hammarby and is clearly very highly rated at the club.
Jay’s older brother Nicky also spent time in the Rangers youth ranks but moved to Nottingham Forest in the summer.
The first team are in action against Motherwell on Sunday afternoon – here’s our Predicted XI for the game.