When Steven Gerrard gave Leon King his debut as a fresh-faced 16-year old, it seemed like Rangers had their next star.
The defence is never an easy place to break into for an academy player but it seems as if current Gers boss Philippe Clement is keen for the Scotland Under-21 international to stick around.
A potential loan move has been reported, however, Leon King has revealed that the Rangers manager has given him some much needed words of encouragement.
Leon King told to fight for Rangers place in first-team
Other than friendlies, the 20-year old has only featured three times this season, interestingly though, when you add his non-competitive games too, he has played in three different positions.
Centre-half, right-back and defensive midfield.
His recent appearances at age group level has seen him play in midfield which demonstrates how comfortable in possession he is with his future always seemingly in the middle of defence.
The signing of Dujon Sterling hasn’t helped him though because the former Chelsea utility man can operate in almost the same positions too and he has looked impressive since moving to midfield.
When asked what the future holds, Leon King was quick to emphasis that Clement sees it at Rangers with some words of advice:
“I have had a talk with the manager and it went really well. I am really happy at the club and I love staying here and I am just happy playing wherever the manager wants me to.
“The manager said to stay here and fight for my spot so that’s what I will do.”
The easy option would be to go out on loan but there can be a stigma attached to players like King.
Why does he have to be the next Barry Ferguson or, perhaps more relevantly, Craig Moore?
The big Aussie went on to skipper Rangers and nobody when he first broke into the team under Walter Smith would have seen that coming.
It was his versatility that saw Moore become a regular fixture before developing the mentality and strength needed to move back into his natural centre-half role.
Bob Malcom was the same, he wouldn’t stand a chance nowadays and yet he played nearly 100 games for Rangers.
Could he have played more games if he had left Ibrox? Yes.
But we all know that players like this who leave only head in one direction, and it isn’t up the footballing ladder.
Leon King, long-term, has a choice, does he follow in the footsteps of the likes of Moore and Malcom and bide his time or, does he look at former B team centre-half partner Lewis Mayo who is playing week-in, week-out at a lower level but has been tipped for a Scotland call?
For now, it looks like he is staying put, and he should be applauded for having the mentality needed to back himself.
If he is good enough, Philippe Clement will give him game time, if not, he has more than enough ability to be a success elsewhere.
