So for these folks and for the general interested fan, here is a break down of a possible Rangers team of the future. Obviously some of these guys won't make it, but I'm sure others will and a few already have made the top team. The whole point of this article is to encourage everyone as to the future talent that we have. Even the fact that we have no money doesn't come into this!
Anyway I'll post the team in 4-4-2 formation and then discuss each player in turn, before adding extra names at the end.
The Rangers Youth XI
G. Smith
Hutton - Dowie - Coyle - S. Smith
Burke - Namouchi - Kalenga - Agnew
Fetai - Adam
Graeme Smith (GK)
08/06/83 - Age 20 – Under 19/21s
Graeme is currently on loan to Ross County where he has proved himself to be an able deputy for the injured Colin Stewart. Alex Smith is a big fan of the tall goalie and extended the initial one-month loan to the end of this season. Has also been selected for the Scotland under 21 side. Expected to challenge Allan McGregor as back up for Stefan Klos.
Alan Hutton (DR)
30/11/84 – Age 19 – Under 21s/First team
Most of us would have seen Alan make his first team debut last term at Firhill in a 2-1 win against Thistle last season. Although he was taken off at half-time, he played reasonably well in a poor game and is already knocking on the first team door again this season. Mo Ross and Fernando Ricksen will need to watch their backs for this talented right back that can also play in midfield or at left back if called upon.
Andrew Dowie (DC)
25/03/83 – Age 20 – Under 21s/First team
Again, centre-half Andrew has played fleetingly for the first team with a subs appearance 2 years ago at East End Park. A regular in the Scotland under 21 squad, Andy will hopefully realise his potential and break into the first team soon to challenge the likes of Bob Malcolm. At 6”1’, perhaps he can provide a physical presence that we often miss.
Fraser Coyle (D LC)
19/02/85 – Age 19 – Under 21s.
Fraser is another bright prospect at centre half. Yet to play for the first team, but an under 19 Scotland regular, alongside the likes a Zander Diamond at Aberdeen. I’m sure left-sided Fraser will soon be involved with the first team squad.
Steven Smith (D/M L)
30/08/85 – Age 18 – Under 21s/First team
Steven Smith has risen to prominence in the Rangers ranks this season from the under 19 squad into the under 21s and even on the first team bench for a few games as cover for Michael Ball and Paolo Vanoli. Another under 19 Scotland cap, Smithy will surely be a great left back of the future or even in midfield where he often plays.
Chris Burke (AM R)
02/12/83 – Age 20 – First team
Burkey first came to eyes of the Rangers fans 2 seasons ago where his first team debut resulted in a fairy tale solo goal for the wee right winger. Following that up with more first team appearances this season, Burkey has cemented his place in the first team squad and reminds the older fan of past Rangers wingers. Back soon from injury!
Hamed Namouchi (AM R/C)
14/02/84 – Age 20 – First team
One of 2 French signings in 2003, Namouchi is another youngster given his chance in the first team this season. Having already bagged his first senior goal, as well as some fine attacking play, Hamed is another bright light in a poor season for the club. I’m sure we’ll see more of him over the next few years.
Marco Kalenga (DM C)
18/03/85 – Age 18 – Under 19s/21s
The younger of the 2 Frenchmen, Marco is a product of the fine Auxerre/Guy Roux youth system. A battling midfield player in the mould of Paul Ince, Marco has already played for the under 21s and hopefully he’ll be able to become our ‘Guvnor’ for the first team over the coming years.
Scott Agnew (AM/F L/C)
11/07/87 – Age 17 – Under 17s/19s
The youngest of this team, Scott Agnew is a huge prospect in the younger Rangers side. The Scottish Schools under 15 captain and now a key part of the under 17 Scotland team, Scott is another tricky forward who will certainly excite Ibrox crowds of the future. Let’s hope we will see him soon. The lack of left-sided players in the first team squad could hasten his debut.
Bajram Fetai (SC)
07/09/85 – Age 18 – Under 19s/21s
Just signed from Danish side B93 Copenhagen, Bajram is a powerful young striker who has attracted interest from several European clubs. A Macedonian by birth, Fetai has actually played a few times at under 19 level for Denmark and showed his promise. 2 goals already for the 2 youth sides can hopefully be transferred into the big team when his time comes.
Charlie Adam (FC)
10/12/85 – Age 18 – Under 19s/21s
One of Tommy McLean’s brightest prospects, Scotland under 19 cap, Charlie can play either in midfield or up front where he scores plenty of goals. Not made the first team yet, but that will surely be a matter of time, as his excellent reserve form won’t go unnoticed by the manager. Another key prospect, which should put a smile on all our faces.
So there it is. A youth XI, with a sparkling of young prospects, along with guys who’ve already played for the first team.
Even as I wrote this piece, the talent was staring right up at me and hopefully we see most of these guys in a first team jersey soon enough, especially since the current first team squad are out of sorts. This XI, plus guys not even included such as Darryl Duffy, Steven MacLean, Allan McGregor, Ross McCormack, Brian Gilmour, Steven Campbell and even the likes of Mo Ross and Stephen Hughes is really encouraging not just for Rangers but for Scottish football as a whole.
It’s not easy to take positives from the current situation at our club, but this article will hopefully show that Auchenhowie is doing its job and that we will see further benefits soon.