Rangers fans have been absolute buzzing in the Transfer Tavern this season because they’re back – that’s all there is to it!
They’re back in the top-flight after an absence that has lasted quite simply, too long and it’s Rangers’ turn to prove to people that they’re done messing around in the lower echelons of Scottish Football.
Financial turmoil meant the Gers were relegated all the way down the footballing ladder and now they’re back in the top flight and ready to mount a charge for the title.
The landlord here at the Transfer Tavern is somewhat of a Rangers sympathiser and he’s been singing the praises of some of the younger players currently on the books at Ibrox.
Some of them we haven’t really heard of before but we know, in order to do well, Rangers will need to mix youth and experience if they’ve got any chance of getting close to Celtic come the end of the season.
So, on the landlord’s recommendation, here’s THREE hidden gems currently on the books at Rangers. Have you heard of them?
Jordan Thompson
Not necessarily part of the academy set-up, midfielder Jordan Thompson joined Rangers last summer after failing to earn a new deal at Manchester United.
With competition so high at Old Trafford, the then 18-year-old left looking for first-team football. After impressing in a trial he was given a two-year-deal by manager Mark Warburton.
He’s signed a loan deal with Championship side Raith Rovers this season and will hope to continue his development in the second division.
He’s highly rated and can move the ball well in the middle of the park, but time will tell if, or when, he’s ready to make the jump into the first team.
Ryan Hardie
Another 19-year-old, Ryan Hardie is a striker who did come through the Rangers youth academy.
He’s a boyhood Gers fan and has made ten appearances, scoring twice since signing his professional papers back in 2014 and he’s well liked by the supporters at Ibrox.
He’s quick, has good movement and has already scored for loan-side St Mirren this season.
Keep an eye on Hardie and if you fancy seeing him in action, dig out his overhead kick goal in Rangers’ 3-1 over Dumbarton back in April 2015.
Robbie McCrorie
Young goalkeeper Robbie McCrorie plays in the Rangers Development side alongside twin Ross, but he’s the man to look out for as number one in the near future.
He’s extremely highly rated by Rangers’ academy bosses and has made appearances for the Scottish U19 international team, despite only being 18 himself.
Back in 2012, it was rumoured that the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City were queuing up to bid for the then 14-year-old goalie but he remained loyal and stayed north of the border.
Keep an eye on this young man.
