With this season petering out, one positive could be Barry Ferguson offering some of the bright sparks of the Glasgow Cup-winning Rangers youth team a chance at senior level.
Neraysho Kasanwirjo returned from injury as Rangers beat Celtic on penalties to retain the Glasgow Cup, ahead of the senior Gers squad facing their own Old Firm assignment on Sunday.
Whilst it’s been a difficult time for the Rangers academy, with the majority of the now-dispanded B team sent out on loan in January, Tuesday night’s cup triumph was a reminder of the talent available should Ferguson choose to lean on it.
One example of this has been the emergence of Bailey Rice, who looks to be rewarded as Rangers will offer Rice a new contract, but there were others on the pitch at Firhill who could be due a look-in.
Findlay Curtis
No stranger to talk of first-team action, Rangers fans were demanding to see Findlay Curtis as long back as November, when Philippe Clement was still at the helm.
These chances have started to come as Ferguson had to defend Curtis after his first start in the 2-2 draw with Aberdeen, showing the faith that the Rangers manager already has in the youngster.
Curtis captained the young Gers on Tuesday night as the trophy came back to Ibrox once more, but it seems inevitable that the young star will get another chance to impress in the first team before the season is up.
Rydnn McGuire
With a penalty shootout win, it’s not surprising to hear that the goalkeeper stood out, which is exactly the case with Rydnn McGuire.
McGuire saved a penalty in the deciding shootout, which would’ve been a proud moment for him, but he displayed a necessary confidence in his post-match interview, simply saying: “It’s your time to be a hero, to step up to the plate and deliver.”
The shot-stopper was on the bench for both legs as Rangers lost to Athletic Club in the Europa League, and has trained at Auchenhowie with the first team this season. Liam Kelly and Jack Butland will continue to fight for the number one shirt, but McGuire’s display on Tuesday could be a glimpse into the future.
Aiden McCallion
Another who is no stranger to the first-team squad now after appearing on the bench in recent weeks, McCallion tucked away his penalty in the shootout to ensure his side’s victory.
Speaking after the game, McCallion said: “Obviously, I was a bit nervous but you’ve just got to be confident, go up there, score and that’s it done.”
Again, the confidence at such a young age will be immediately appealing to Ferguson, who will be desperate to see this attitude more from his senior players, especially McCallion’s clear hunger for silverware.
McCallion continued, adding: “It’s obviously what you want to do when you’re playing for Rangers, what you should be doing, so we’re obviously delighted to go and win the cup.”
At just 16 years old, there is no rush for McCallion to stake a claim for a central midfield role, but his appearances in the matchday squads suggest that Ferguson and the Rangers coaching staff are certainly interested in giving him a chance before the season is up.
