On Sunday, Rangers’ U21s lost out to Inverness in the Challenge Cup semi-finals. The result was a tough loss, with Rangers taking an early lead through Dapo Mebude in the sixth minute.
Inverness equalised through James Keatings in the 44th minute, sending both teams into the break with a goal apiece. Early in the second half, the young Gers were handed a boost after Keatings was sent off for Inverness.
But alas, Miles Storey scored the winning goal in the 73rd minute to win the game for the home team.
After the match, Inverness manager John Robertson spoke to the media. He criticised the refereeing during the match but admitted that the Rangers team impressed him on the day.
When Rangers fans heard Robertson’s comments they applauded him. They thought he showed a lot of class to praise the young team and agreed that he was right to call out the officiating.
https://twitter.com/georgemcf23/status/1229128499870535681
Nice to hear a manager being honest and not being scared of the repercussions from the sofa, and complimenting Rangers not very often that happens in Scottish football
— allan imrie (@ImrieAllan) February 16, 2020
Refreshing honesty from John Robertson
— RyanClarkKent 1872 (@1872Rck) February 17, 2020
Superb praise from John Robbo bout the Colts
— Robbie Henderson (@Robbie_DJH) February 16, 2020
An excellent interview. His praise of the Colts is fully justified as is his criticism of the ref. I agree with him that both decisions were terrible.
— Armchair Bear (@SG55_RFC) February 16, 2020
100% agree with everything john said there including the refs decisions!
— gary ferguson (@garyferguson11) February 16, 2020
Would you liked to see John Robertson become the Rangers manager when Gerrard leaves?
Yes
No
Even Rangers’ manager Graeme Murty responded, claiming that he and Robertson spoke extensively after the game. Even during that conversation, Robertson was extremely complimentary of the young Gers side.
We spent a good half hour chatting about the game and he could not have been more complimentary towards our young players. It was a proper game and both sides deserve immense credit for their performances. Gutted for the lads but good luck to John and his team in the final.
— Graeme Murty (@GraemeMurty) February 17, 2020
What do we think?
The words of praise from Robertson must be a huge boost to the young players. They made a great run in the cup, however, their journey has ended in the semi-final. Hopefully, fans will see some of the youth players feature for the senior team in the not-so-distant future.