Michael Beale has said that he is looking for another centre-half, in Leon King, the Rangers manager already has what he needs after the teen star’s surprise Scotland shout.
The 19-year old has had a season that he will never forget and deserves more credit than he is getting for emerging on the otherside unscathed.
A bright future awaits, so much so that Leon King has had his Rangers breakthrough recognised with a call up to the full Scotland squad, as reported by The Daily Record.
The Auchenhowie academy graduate might not be at that level yet, however, he has more Champions League appearances already than John Souttar, Grant Hanley, Ryan Porteous and Liam Cooper combined, he is also only one behind 28-year old Jack Hendry too.
Steve Clarke is being progressive, which is a refreshing change, by bringing King, who made 26 appearances this season, into the set-up.
As with Robby McCrorie, there are two players there who could one day be regular starters for their country if they continue their current trajectory.
Leon King call-up should see Rangers and Beale adjust transfer plans
At club level, Michael Beale has already said that he wants another centre-half in.
Filip Helander has left and Souttar has the sort of medical file that suggests he won’t ever be able to play 60 games in a season.
If Ben Davies is sold and replaced though, the Gers gaffer needs to trust King and let him fill in whenever he is required.
It is the only way that he will make the improvements needed to become a regular starter, after all, this is a player that Manchester United were monitoring this season, according to Fabrizio Romano.
King’s confidence will get a massive boost being recognised in this way, but he has to be patient.
He is still incredibly young for a central defender and with Dujon Sterling signed too, he faces even more competition.
The plan should be for King to be a regular starter in 3-4 years time, and he should be aware of this.
The number of games he has played this season shows that he will be given the chance to play.
A gradual increase in his minutes playing with the likes of Connor Goldson and John Souttar will bring him on more than going out on loan for a season at a poorer club.
A Scotland squad call up as a teenager is pretty impressive, but then again, when you make your Rangers debut at 16 under Steven Gerrard, it’s safe to say you have a bright future ahead of you.
