Glasgow Rangers’ development squad beat Berwick 4-0 on Wednesday night, and Jonatan Johansson was impressed by a number of the Ibrox youngsters.
The Gers faced the Wee Gers in Steven Notman’s testimonial, and the Scottish Premiership side – with a team made up of development and first-team players – came out on top with an emphatic 4-0 win, thanks to goals from David Bates, Aaron Nemane, Atakayi and Jordan Thompson.
And after the match, Johansson – who admitted he hates singling players out for praise – suggested that three of the youngsters had caught the eye during the victory, including one of the goalscorers.
“I think young Serge, who I know from Finland, played really well in the second-half and took his goal really, really well. And there were some really good performances.
“I think Liam Kelly, we’ve been practising a lot during the week, as a keeper, to play the ball from the back, and I think he did really well in the first-half and I think he was brave on the ball and that makes it easier for the defenders.”
What will be particularly encouraging for Rangers fans who have become used to seeing their academy starlets emerging into the first-team in recent years is that Johansson has named three men still awaiting their senior debuts for the Gers.
The praise arguably proves that there is even more quality coming from the development side at the moment, and that should benefit the first-team, especially if the club appoint a manager who is not afraid to give the youngsters a chance in the senior side.
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