Manager delivers verdict on Rangers loanee, says he has 'big future ahead of him'

Queen of the South manager Allan Johnston believes that Rangers loanee defender James Maxwell has a "big future ahead of him".

Maxwell has scored two goals in as many games for the Queens, including the third in a 3-1 win over Queens Park in the Betfred Cup on Tuesday, which put QoS top of Group G.

The 18-year-old bagged his first league goal for the club over the weekend in a 1-1 draw with Arbroath and boss Johnston has clearly been impressed with his progress.

“He is a really good young kid and is doing really well,” he told Qosfc.com.

“He has got a big future ahead of him and I’m sure the experience of playing week in week out will help his development.”

Maxwell has found a place at left-back for Queen of the South, but can feature further up the field as a left winger too.

At 18, it is great to see him earning regular game time at the professional level, rather than remaining in youth football that can often see a player's development stall.

With Borna Barisic and Calvin Bassey the current left-back options at Rangers, Maxwell would face a tough ask if he is to force his way into the first team reckoning at Ibrox, but he is going about making an impression the right way so far.

His versatility could also prove a valuable asset, with the wing being one of the few places on the field that Rangers are not overly well-stocked.

Ryan Kent has been a regular this season, while Joe Aribo and Brandon Barker can play either wide or centrally.

Greg Stewart is another option, but were he to impress, Maxwell would likely have an easier path to game time on the wing than at left-back.

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