It was announced this week that Rangers Colts would be taking on Wrexham at Ibrox in the quarter-finals of the Challenger Cup. The decision to let the youth play on the first team’s ground is exciting news for everyone involved.
This decision could have a great impact on the development of Graeme Murty’s team. Simply giving youth a chance to shine on a grander stage could speed up their ability to make an impact on the first team’s results. There may be some people who think that putting youth on a big stage will hinder their growth, but there are a few cases around Europe that prove the contrary.
One only needs to look at the game between Chelsea and Ajax midweek to see how youth can shine when given a chance. Chelsea’s transfer ban has forced new manager Frank Lampard to place his faith in young players like Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham. The squad itself has an average age of 26 years and three months (transfermarkt.co.uk). The team has eight players 23 years old or younger, all of whom have been heavily involved in Lampard’s games (transfermarkt.co.uk). Then there is the Ajax side. The Ajax team has an average age of 23 years and nine months (transfermarkt.co.uk).
So what does this mean for Rangers? Essentially, allowing the players to play on the first team field will help them prepare for the big stage. And given the success of teams like Chelsea and Ajax, it isn’t unrealistic to think that these youth players can come and make an instant impact in the first team if needed.
Should Graeme Murty’s side continue to impress, it may not be long before Steven Gerrard gives one or two of them a chance. With the club looking to win their 55th league title, a fresh set of legs may be needed after a tricky December, and the youth team could be a perfect place to look.