Michael Beale has told Wednesday’s press conference that Rangers wonderkid Alex Lowry could start against Hibernian at Ibrox on Thursday night – claiming the teenager is “ripe” and “ready”, but with that, comes more responsibility.
Lowry, 19, broke into the Rangers side last season – having a hand in four goals during seven senior appearances. This season was supposed to be Lowry’s proper breakthrough – but he suffered injury. He featured against Ajax, as a sub.
Now, he is back fit and in training with Beale’s first team. The first of a long line of injured players that could now be back in action come Thursday. Beale takes charge of his first game since returning, after a friendly win over Leverkusen.
Asked about Lowry, Beale was incredibly complimentary of the one-time Scotland Under-21 international. He said that Lowry is now “ripe” and good enough to help the first team. He also hints that Lowry could start against Hibernian.
“Alex is ripe now, he’s right there and at a stage where he can make a breakthrough. With that comes responsibility because he’s got to dislodge someone who is older, more experienced. But he’s ready. He’ll be very close to starting.”
Beale: Rangers wonderkid Lowry could start against Hibernian
Lowry has the talent, and is the right position, to be the face of Beale’s new era. Raw, but has an abundance of ability. With Rangers needing a bit more creation from midfield, Lowry could be the answer for Rangers moving forward.
Beale says his Rangers side will play in a similar way to Steven Gerrard’s with minor changes. That might be a revert to a 4-3-3 system – one holding midfielder, one box-to-box and another more advanced. Lowry is ideal for the latter.
It might be that on Thursday, Lowry starts from the bench but is given a decent run out. But over the next few weeks, with no European football on offer, Lowry could be the man to provide the difference and get Beale off to a flyer.
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