It shouldn’t take an injury crisis or disciplinary issues for young players like Bailey Rice to get their shot at the Rangers first team.
Yet, Philippe Clement found himself with no choice but to field the 18-year-old midfielder and fellow teenager Findlay Curtis in the Europa League clash against Manchester United.
Missing eight first-team regulars, Clement’s decision was bold, but the youngsters didn’t disappoint.
Brave, composed, and full of potential, both players held their own on one of the biggest stages in European football.
A Rare Opportunity for Young Talent
This marked the first time since 2009 that Rangers fielded two players aged 18 or under in the same European game.
Back then, Danny Wilson and John Fleck featured against Stuttgart in the Champions League.
Unfortunately, in the years since, the club has developed a reputation for hesitating to trust its own youth prospects.
Players like Alex Lowry, who once showed great promise, often fizzle out due to lack of consistent opportunities.
Lowry, for example, ended up on loan at Wycombe Wanderers, a fate that’s all too common for young talents across Scotland.
A Broader Issue Across Scottish Football
Rangers aren’t alone in this.
Across the Scottish Premiership, young players under 21 struggle to break into first teams.
According to a report from the SFA, this systemic failure limits the development of young footballers, stunting their potential.
Managers, under constant pressure to deliver results in a tight 12-team league, rarely take the gamble of fielding raw talent.
Yet, as Clement’s gamble with Rice and Curtis shows, sometimes giving youth a chance can yield promising results.
Rice’s Potential Shines at Old Trafford
Bailey Rice, a product of the Motherwell academy, gave fans a glimpse of his vision and talent when he set up a golden opportunity for Cyriel Dessers, only for the striker to miss.
Even Rio Ferdinand, providing commentary for TNT Sports, praised Rice’s ability to “see pictures” on the field.
Despite his potential, Rice has only logged 366 minutes of first-team action, mostly playing for Rangers’ B team against lower-tier clubs.
Meanwhile, his former Motherwell teammate Lennon Miller has already made 63 first-team appearances and attracted significant transfer interest.
Rangers’ Need to Prioritize Youth
Motherwell rejected a £2.5 million bid for Miller, valuing their young players highly.
The same can’t be said for Rangers or Celtic, who often prioritize big-name signings over nurturing homegrown talent.
This poses a dilemma for young players like Dundee’s Lyall Cameron, who must choose between immediate financial rewards at a club like Rangers or better development opportunities at a club like Aberdeen.
Aberdeen’s track record of nurturing players such as Kenny McLean, Ross McCrorie, and Lewis Ferguson into stars should be a selling point for Cameron.
But for many young talents, the allure of big salaries, European football, and packed stadiums can be hard to resist.
Clement’s Vision for the Future
Philippe Clement, aware of Rangers’ limited finances, seems committed to fostering homegrown talent.
His decision to field Rice and Curtis at Old Trafford could be a sign of things to come.
However, whether this marks a genuine shift in strategy or a temporary fix for an injury crisis remains to be seen.
For Lyall Cameron, watching how Bailey Rice’s development unfolds might provide the answer.
If Rangers prove they’re serious about giving young players a chance, it could influence his decision this summer.
The Realities of Returning to Celtic
Why Players Return to Celtic
When players like Kieran Tierney return to Celtic, it’s usually out of genuine love for the club.
But when others, such as Jota, consider a return, the motivation often lies elsewhere.
Professional footballers from Portugal, Japan, or other far-off countries rarely grow up dreaming of playing in Glasgow.
For many, Scotland is a stepping stone to bigger and better leagues in England, Spain, or Germany.
The Case of Kyogo Furuhashi
Take Kyogo Furuhashi, for example.
At 30 years old, he jumped at the chance to join Rennes in Ligue 1, prioritizing a higher salary over staying in Scotland.
While Rennes may not be glamorous, the move allowed Kyogo to capitalize on his remaining years at the top level.
What About Jota?
Jota’s situation is different. After unsuccessful stints in Saudi Arabia and France, he could return to Celtic, where fans adore him.
But will he share that passion? That likely depends on the financial package Celtic offers.
Celtic supporters may hope for a fairytale reunion, but the reality is that most players see Scotland as a temporary stop in their career journey.
Whether Jota returns for love or money, only time will tell.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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