Developing our own players will always be Rangers most cost-effective way of ensuring that Philippe Clement can tick the boxes for UEFA’s home-grown quotas.
The Gers boss has inherited a squad that has been neglected by the last two managers though with only John Souttar being signed as an experienced or first
If Rangers are to give Philippe Clement the best possible chance of success at home and abroad, upping the number of Scottish players has to be a priority.
Rangers FC v Hibernian FC – Cinch Scottish Premiership
Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images
Rangers need to improve Philippe Clement’s European chances
The frustrating thing is that the recent international break proved that Auchenhowie is an environment that can identify and nurture talent.
The biggest issue for Rangers, is getting players to transition from talented teenager to a player capable of knocking on the door of the first team.
Liam Kelly, whose contract is expiring, showed that potential as a Scotland age group regular and who has just made his first cap for the senior team.
The two full-backs who started in France – Greg Taylor and Nathan Patterson – were also on Rangers books with the latter our record sale, Philippe Clement could do with a home-grown international quality left-back if Borna Barisic is missing for the trip to Prague.
Rangers don’t have to have academy players who are world beaters but Philippe Clement’s job would be a lot easier if he could pad his squad with Scots who can do a job.
Even better if they can play a key role.
Players will move on for various reasons; some will (wrongly) be let go like Lewis Ferguson, whilst others like Billy Gilmour and Nathan Patterson will leave Rangers with little choice but to cash in.
It’s not just signing Scottish players that we have to get right, it’s developing the ones that can contribute in any size, shape or form that makes the difference.
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