Leading Scottish football journalist Jordan Campbell has explained why Ibrox Academy talent Ciaran Dickson left the club this summer – and Rangers fans will have little sympathy.
Things had gone so well for Dickson in the early part of his Ibrox career and the midfielder followed up a debut appearance against Falkirk last season with a two-year deal at the club.
But despite putting pen to paper only months previously, Dickson headed up the list of Academy stars released by the club come to the end of the season.
Now, Jordan Campbell has been explaining exactly why the 19-year-old was shown the door amid earlier reports of a bust-up with the Ibrox hierarchy.
“He was one of the standout players in the UEFA Youth League but questions over his discipline never seemed to be far away,” said Campbell [the Athletic].
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“I understand he was allowed to travel to Sheffield United last summer to train but he was given another opportunity after impressing Gerrard, who is said to have empathised with his background, in training.
“I believe he didn’t turn up for training once, though, and that was the beginning of the end really, given how big Gerrard is on commitment and trust.
“It’s a shame it’s ended this way as he has the talent to go on to have a good career. It will be interesting to see which club he goes to next.”
That next club may well be Premier League Burnley who according to the Scottish Sun, are considering a move for the unruly player.
Given his young age – and clear talent – then there is still plenty of time for the youngster to turn things around in his career.
But if what Campbell is claiming is true, then Dickson will have no one to blame but himself for the fact that – unfortunately – he will not recognise his potential at Ibrox.
Whilst Dickson’s future remains up in the air, another unruly ex-Gers kid is said to be on trial at one of Burnley’s Premier League rivals.