Rangers boss Steven Gerrard must consider throwing Dapo Mebude straight in.
Glasgow Rangers named teenager Dapo Mebude in their travelling squad to Russia this week.
The Gers take on Spartak Moscow this evening and the promising striker is in contention to make his first team debut.
Steven Gerrard should have no qualms about throwing him straight in, from the bench or even from the start.
It could be the start of something special for Rangers and Mebude. After all, this is how Marcus Rashford got his break at Manchester United.
Rashford was chucked in at the deep end by Louis van Gaal in a Europa League clash.
The young striker was about sixth choice in the pecking order at Old Trafford but a combination of injuries, suspensions and other prospects being out on loan bumped Rashford up the pecking order.
He seized his chance with two goals against Danish side Midtjylland and never looked back.
Mebude could find himself in a similar position.
He has been bumped up the queue due to an injury to Kyle Lafferty, poor form of Umar Sadiq, and loans for Zak Rudden and Ryan Hardie.
Mebude has earned his shot, the 17-year-old is a Scotland youth international and is a regular goalscorer for Rangers’ under-20 side, bagging a hat-trick against Motherwell last month.
He is a natural goalscorer and all he needs is an opportunity.
Away in Moscow is a tough circumstance for him to make his debut, but if he gets a sight of goal, Rangers fans will expect him to take full advantage.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
