Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst has promised that committed players will get a chance under him offering hope to talented Rangers duo Nathan Patterson and Stephen Kelly.
The Dutchman had a propensity to use youth in his Feyenoord squad and as Gio met the media for the first time he was unwaveringly clear that he expects commitment from his team.
As part of this, GVB will not prioritise the age of team members and he insists that working with and developing talents is part of his coaching philosophy.
For Rangers fans calling on the club to involve right-back Nathan Patterson and midfielder Stephen Kelly more often this will be music to their ears.
“I like players to work hard and show me and show the club they want to play and do everything possible to be very good in training and games,” said van Bronckhorst [Rangers].
“It’s a new beginning for them. I’m a coach who will give confidence to everyone who is working no matter if you or young or old.
“If you are good enough for me you can play so it’s a new beginning for us.
“I love working with young talent because I know they work hard to achieve their goals. I had the same when I was at Feyenoord and started as a seven-year-old and worked through to the first team.
“I know the feeling of the players in the Academy so I will have a look at the talent that is available and coming up and if they are good enough, I will use them.”
van Bronckhorst offers hope to talented Rangers duo Nathan Patterson & Stephen Kelly
Scotland international Nathan Patterson, 20, has found chances at a premium this season due to the competition of Rangers captain James Tavernier.
The Ibrox skipper has once again been a huge provider of goals and big moments but – as has often been the case during his Gers career – Tavernier has also been found wanting at times.
Scotland boss Steve Clarke hinted that Patterson needs more gametime and Rangers may well be the biggest losers in not fitting this talented young footballer into their side.
Whether that’s a change of tactics – or Patterson coming over to the left – the player’s performances in training will define whether or not GVB calls him into the side.
Patterson has been linked to some of Europe’s top clubs including Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris St Germain [90min.com].
Stephen Kelly is another young talent whom Rangers fans have not seen enough of this season despite a promising pre-season.
There were plenty of clubs interested in the youngster this summer but Rangers opted to keep Kelly around. Despite this, the Scotland U21 international has played the sum total of 13 minutes across two games this season.
If Kelly – alongside Patterson – can deliver in training and prove their commitment to the cause then we expect both players to get opportunities in a Rangers XI in dire need of freshening up.
Speaking of Kelly, according to reports over the weekend there are clubs north and south of the border interested in signing the player.
