Ray McKinnon predicts huge future for Rangers-owned Zak Rudden

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Rangers allowed Ibrox talent Zak Rudden to go out on loan.

Falkirk manager Ray McKinnon has told the Falkirk Herald that he thinks striker Zak Rudden will become a ‘top, top player’ with Rangers having impressed out on loan so far.

With Rangers bringing in 15 new signings over the course of the summer, it was natural that many would leave Ibrox, and 24 ended up making their way out either permanently or on loan.

Whilst the likes of Josh Windass and Fabio Cardoso were flogged for good, some young talents like Greg Docherty, Aidan Wilson, Ryan Hardie, Kyle Bradley, Liam Burt and Jamie Barjonas have been sent out on loan.

Another player in that boat is striker Zak Rudden, who has been sent out on loan to second division side Falkirk until the end of January as he seeks playing time.

Rudden, 18, has come up through the Rangers ranks, and played a part in pre-season for Steven Gerrard’s side, whilst he has been a regular for Scotland at youth level too.

Since signing for Falkirk, the 18-year-old has hit three goals in three games, earning huge praise for his performances as he looks to show Rangers and Gerrard that he can have a big future at Ibrox.

Now, Falkirk boss McKinnon has told the Falkirk Herald that he predicts a huge future for the striker, believing that Rudden will become a ‘top, top player’ for Rangers over the next two or three years whilst also praising his work rate, desire, attitude and ability to be in the right place at the right time; always key for a good goalscorer.

“I do,” said McKinnon when asked if he thinks Rudden will make the grade with Rangers. “For an 18 year old to have the knack of scoring goals and being in the right place at the right time and as I keep saying his work rate is phenomenal – he is just going to get better and better. In the next two or three years he will really improve, be that at Rangers or somewhere else – he can become a top, top player.”

“Zak has been brilliant for us. He is only 18 years of age but he has an absolute desire to play football and a desire to score goals and work hard and that is a great, great attitude. He also has three goals in three games which you can’t argue with – and obviously we hope he can continue in that vein of form. The thing about Zak though is he has the right temperament and that is the right key to his success. His attitude is top-class and his willingness to work hard is top class and that’s why he’s scoring goals,” he added.