Michael Beale has branded young defender Adam Devine as “fantastic” after handing the teenager a first League start at Ibrox on Thursday night – as Rangers came from behind to win in the manager’s first game in charge.
Devine, 19, was handed his first League start by Beale with Borna Barisic at the World Cup with Croatia, and Ridvan Yilmaz nowhere to be seen. The Scotland Under-21 international was probably one of Rangers’ best on the night.
In what was his fourth appearance, Devine was excellent on the ball and got forward well. Goals from Fashion Sakala, Ryan Jack and Alfredo Morelos was enough to win at Ibrox, despite Ryan Porteous and Kevin Nisbet scoring.
Beale was asked about Devine’s performance following the match, and he said he was “delighted” with the young Gers ace. Beale told his press conference it was obvious he was playing on the left, but he was fantastic.
“Delighted with Adam. It’s obvious he was playing on his weak side. He was targeted from goal kicks, for a young boy he did fantastic. This season, he was supposed to be back-up to Tavernier and push him – like Patterson did.
“We’ve got high hopes for him and that wasn’t easy tonight, I asked him to play higher up the pitch; more energy. For everyone watching, he is a young Scottish boy we can be proud of. Early days but for tonight, well played son.”
Beale: Devine fantastic as Rangers come from behind to win
It was an impressive display from Devine given it was only his fourth professional appearance for the club. With Barisic potentially still missing come Tuesday and Yilmaz still some way off a return from injury, he could play again.
He linked up well with Ryan Kent on the left. Even though he was being used on his weaker side, he gave a solid showing of his quality. Rangers will be hopeful they have another talent in Devine that could follow £16m Patterson.
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