Ibrox side Glasgow Rangers have a number of promising up and comers.
Steven Gerrard has admitted to Rangers TV that he is “really excited” about some of the club’s academy prospects after seeing a number of them up close.
Gerrard included Matty Shiels, Serge Atakayi, Aidan Wilson, Zak Rudden, Stephen Kelly and the highly-rated Glenn Middleton in his squad for the pre-season training camp in Spain.
According to Rangers’ official website, all six are involved in the 38-year-old’s preparations, and the legendary midfielder is enthused by how they are getting to grips with their stint in the senior set-up.
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“They have been fantastic. They have been professional, they have given everything they have got and I am really excited by a few of them too,” he told Rangers TV.
“I think some of them will have a part to play in the short, medium and long-term, but in terms of all of them, we are delighted with what they have given.
“It is probably their first tough pre-season, and it has been tough. There have been days where we have had to pull one or two of them out and leave them to the side to let them catch their breath.”
It’ll be interesting to see if Middleton can break into the first team under Gerrard this season.
The Scottish winger joined Rangers from Norwich City in January, reuniting with Graeme Murty after working with him South of the border.
And the 18-year-old has impressed for Scotland’s Under-20 side in recent weeks during their stint in the Toulon Tournament, so he is certainly one to watch.
Atakayi is also a promising youth player and Gerrard obviously likes him, after the 19-year-old penned a new contract earlier this month.
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