Rangers midfielder Ben Williamson has admitted that his call-up to the Scotland under-21 squad for the double-header against Northern Ireland was a “bit of a shock” as he thanked Arbroath following a hugely successful stint with Dick Campbell’s side.
Williamson ended the season being named as the Championship side’s Young Player of the Year after a string of impressive performances saw the Red Lichties finish seventh in the table.
Scotland under-21 boss Scot Gemmill has named a number of young Rangers players in his squad for this week’s fixtures, as Williamson steps up to the 21s for the first time.
Scotland lost the first game 2-1 yesterday afternoon, with Williamson remaining on the bench throughout as Glenn Middleton scored from the spot for the Dark Blues.
The second game takes place on Saturday afternoon and Williamson is hoping he can get the chance to impress and cap off a fantastic 12 months for the young midfielder.
“To finish the season with a call up to the Scotland under-21 squad was brilliant. It came as a bit of a shock but I was really delighted,” Williamson told Rangers TV.
“I just need to work hard to try and prove myself at that level now.
“There are a few Rangers players in the squad – guys like Stephen Kelly, Josh McPake, Lewis Mayo and Brian Kinnear – so it is great to see so many familiar faces.
“All the boys are back together training for Scotland under-21s this time and we are all looking forward to the two games against Northern Ireland.
“Hopefully I can impress the manager in training enough to get a run in the team and prove that I can play at that level as well.”
Arbroath loan reaped rewards for Rangers teen
During his time at Arbroath, the 19-year-old made 18 appearances for dick Campbell’s side, scoring once, and becoming a fixture in the centre of midfield.
After coming up through the ranks of the Ibrox Academy, Williamson was delighted to play competitive football, admitting that he didn’t expect the step up to be be as big as it was.
Working with legendary Gayfield boss Dick Campbell is something that the Rangers teen thinks has really helped him develop, gaining the manager’s trust quickly with his performances and cementing his place in the side.
Those performances would be rewarded at the end of the season with the club’s Young Player of the Year award but Williamson confessed that he expected team-mate, Jack Hamilton, to get the nod after a prolific season in front of goal, adding: “This call up has come on the back of a successful loan spell at Arbroath and I really enjoyed it there.
“All the boys and the staff were really good with me as soon as I went in and they made it easy for me to start playing. They all helped me settle.
“Playing in competitive men’s football every week has made me feel more confident.
“It is so different to playing academy football and to be honest I didn’t think it would be so much of a step up but it was and was really good and I enjoyed the experience.
“I learned different sides of the game.
“It took a bit of getting used to for the first couple of games – just the speed of the game and how much time you get on the ball. It was so different to academy football but that was really good for my development.
“Every game means something and you are playing to win important points and to win every week.
“We were playing to stay up in the Championship and it was great to hear the team talks from the gaffer, Dick Campbell.
“I really enjoyed working with him, he tried to help me so much during the loan spell and as soon as you have his trust you are sorted.
“The players and management staff all worked so hard to make sure Arbroath stayed up and we managed to do that.
“I learned so much there. If things aren’t going right in games you have to keep plugging away. You have to keep working hard and prove to the staff what you can do.
“I was playing right centre midfield and it was a box-to-box role – attacking and defending – and I enjoyed that.
“I never really joined in on the attack as much as I did at Arbroath but I enjoyed it. I think that has helped me develop by learning a new side to the game.
“I just need to find my shooting boots a bit more!
“It’s a shame there were no fans at the games but once I was out on the pitch I just focused on what I had to do for the team and it was such a good experience for me.
“I was also delighted to get the Young Player of the Year Award at Arbroath, it meant a lot to me to win that.
“I thought Jack Hamilton was going to get it because of all the goals he was scoring but I guess it shows that I was able to play well and help the team.
“Thanks to everyone at Arbroath for making me feel so welcome, I really enjoyed the experience and I am grateful to Dick Campbell and the staff there for giving me the chance to play.”
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