Ibrox View: Rangers academy player gets off to positive start after sealing Jan loan exit
Rangers youngster Ben Williamson played a full 90 minutes in the centre of midfield on his Arbroath debut, as the Championship strugglers rescued a point from going two goals down on Saturday.
After a goalless first half, Connor Shields struck twice before the hour to give the home side a strong advantage.
Scott Stewart and Thomas O’Brien scored within three minutes of each other to bring Arbroath level with twenty-five minutes still to play. Neither side could take all three points.
Williamson signed for Arbroath on loan last week and went straight into the starting eleven, repaying manager Dick Campbell’s faith with a solid performance.
He played with confidence and attacking intent, having two of the visitors nine attempts on goal. The loanee also made three interceptions, as well as six recoveries in the opposition half.
The youngster was in the thick of the action, completing four of his six dribble attempts and having a pass completion of 70 per cent [Wyscout].
The 19-year-old could be everything Arbroath have been calling out for as, before Saturday, they had avoided defeat just once in their previous five fixtures.
Williamson came through the Rangers academy. He’s yet to make his debut for the first team but signed a contract extension prior to going on loan and Steven Gerrard will surely be pleased with the youngster’s display at the weekend.
Rangers currently have a lot of competition in the middle. The likes of Joe Aribo, Scott Arfield, and Stephen Davis are all having exceptional seasons.
A close eye will be kept on the development of Williamson, who could force his way into the Manager’s plans next season.
In other Rangers news, there’s an update on the Premier League midfielder we were linked to in October.