Celtic’s Lewis Morgan, Hearts’ Harry Cochrane and Hibernian’s Dylan McGeouch all had spells in Rangers’ academy.
Alex McLeish may be in his second spell as Scotland boss but there is a new generation of talented homegrown footballers ready and waiting to put their stamp on this new era.
Dylan McGeouch and Harry Cochrane (above) have shone on either side of the Edinburgh divide this season and, alongside Lewis Morgan, a first Scotland cap seems an inevitability for three of the most naturally gifted midfielders in the Scottish game.
McGeouch is arguably the crown jewel in a Hibernian midfield dubbed by some as the best in Scotland. Cochrane, meanwhile, has emerged as Scotland’s most prodigious talent and, at the age of just 16, is already dominating games in the top tier.
And Morgan (below) has been in outstanding form for St Mirren in the division below, scoring 13 times in all competitions and sealing a move to Celtic at the end of the season.
Both players have very bright futures. Unfortunately for Glasgow giants Rangers,, they have to deal with the ignominy of seeing all three slip through their grasp.
Three that got away
McGeouch spent three years in Rangers’ youth system from 2008 to 2011 but admitted to the Daily Record that he rejected a contract at Ibrox in order to join boyhood club and bitter Old Firm rivals Celtic on a free transfer. He is now showcasing why Celtic and Rangers both wanted him at Hibs.
Cochrane, however, left Rangers to join Hearts as an U13, while the Ibrox club released Morgan in 2013 before he kick-started his career at St Mirren.
These three could be future stars of Scotland’s midfield, which will make international breaks a little more frustrating for Rangers fans.
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