Celtic wanted Riley McGree in the summer – but Ange Postecoglou, who wants the Rangers job, knows the Aussie midfielder well.
Ange Postecoglou did not care that Riley McGree was only 18 years of age when he handed him his maiden Australia call up for the crucial World Cup qualifying double-header in March of this year.
Postecoglou did not care that McGree had only made 12 A-League appearances for Adelaide United. All the Socceroos boss saw was the teenager’s huge potential – and he was not about to choose players based on reputation over form.
“We haven’t had in the A-League too many teenagers even getting a run these days. I’ve never felt like I’ve needed to sit on these things,” Postecoglou told ESPN. “I’ve always felt if there’s somebody there I want to have a look at I’ll bring them in.
“I’m not going to wait because in the past we’ve just waited too long, particularly with some of our younger players.”
It’s this sort of approach to young players that would make Ange Postecoglou immediately popular with Rangers supporters.
Per ESPN, the 52-year-old is interested in taking over at Ibrox when his four-year spell in charge of Australia is expected to come to an end after the crucial World Cup play-off with Honduras during this international break.
And there is another way the Greek-born coach can immediately win over Rangers supporters who are unlikely to be overly aware of his exploits down under. The Scottish Sun reported in March that Celtic were interested in McGree – but Postecoglou’s arrival at Ibrox may make the blue half of Glasgow a more tempting destination.
The now 19-year-old eventually moved to Europe with Club Brugge in the summer but is yet to make a first-team appearance in Belgium. At Rangers, however, the holding midfielder could find a manager who knows just how good he can be and is willing to bank on his potential.
Celtic may be renowned for unearthing some of world football’s most promising youngsters and honing their potential at Parkhead. Appointing Postecoglou, however, could perhaps make Rangers future frontrunners for Australia’s next great talent.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
