Earlier this week, The Scottish Sun tweeted out what they thought was going to be the future starting 11 of Rangers Football Club. The responses to the tweet were relatively negative, with fans calling out the publication for leaving out key players. But the article did spark a debate amongst Rangers supporters.
A Rangers fan account called Rangers Youth Updates asked fans which academy player they thought would make the jump to the first-team the quickest. The poll included the names of Kai Kennedy, Nathan Patterson, James Maxwell and Dapo Mebude. Many fans had differing opinions on the matter, however, Kennedy and Patterson’s names stood out as fan favourites.
Kai Kennedy, because we are screaming out for a player like him… we have senior players who are going to be very hard to shift for the other players.
Stephen Kelly is also in with a shout…
— SPK (@esspekay) December 4, 2019
It’s like someone asking you your favourite lager but on current form I picked wee Kai
— Andy Rodgers (@Bluenosebear2) December 4, 2019
Young Nathan Patterson for me, but I could honestly pick half a dozen or more, very exciting time to be a Ranger
— Sandy (@a1eq1) December 4, 2019
Patterson will be playing by next season in my opinion if not towards end of this season
— Cooper’s Left Peg (@CooperLeft) December 4, 2019
If we’re including Barjo in this, then him. If out the younger lot, probably Nathan Patterson.
— James Black (@jamesblack1986) December 4, 2019
Everything I read and hear from reliable sources is Patterson will be sensational.
— steven jess (@StevenJess1) December 4, 2019
Who will make the jump to the first-team the soonest? Kai Kennedy or Nathan Patterson?
Kennedy
Patterson
Many people see Kennedy, Patterson and Maxwell all making the move to the first team quickly, with the latter pair acting as long term replacements for James Tavernier and Borna Barisic.
Patterson and Maxwell most likely to be long term in first team – Kennedy most likely to place first.
— Gavin Kelly (@gmkelly1979) December 4, 2019
What do we think?
It says a lot about the academy’s success that these players are even being considered for a move up to the first-team despite Steven Gerrard’s team performing so well. It truly is an exciting time to be a Rangers fan.