Done deal: Rangers talent who made senior debut this season signs new contract
Rangers have secured the services of exciting prospect Ciaran Dickson on a new deal until 2023 with the 18-year-old now a fixture in first-team training.
Dickson made his Gers debut in the League Cup clash with Falkirk on November 29, coming on for the last half an hour as Steven Gerrard’s side eased to a 4-0 win.
He has sufficiently impressed, especially for the Rangers Academy over the last few years, to be awarded a contract extension until 2023.
Rangers head of academy Craig Mulholland praised Dickson after he signed his contract extension, telling the club website: “We are pleased that Ciaran has committed his future to Rangers.
“Contracts at Rangers, as Ross [Wilson] and the manager have made clear, must be something that are earned and Ciaran’s excellent progress over the last few years has allowed him to achieve this next step in his career.”
He added: “The opportunity he currently has on a daily basis to work with excellent coaching staff and most importantly play against and learn from midfielders like Steven Davis has created a fantastic chance for him to learn quickly, develop and grow as part of a carefully considered plan.”
Tough next step
Dickson looks to have really impressed Gerrard and his coaching staff as evidenced in his regular presence in first-team training and the decision to reward his progress with a Rangers debut.
He will be well aware of the mammoth task facing him as he enters the next stage of his career but he will hope to see some more action sooner rather than later.
A contract extension until 2023 gives Dickson some security and knowledge that he has another couple of years at least to prove himself at the club.
There could also be further opportunities for him to impress this season with the Light Blues set to face lower league Cove Rangers in the Scottish Cup, though this has been postponed due to the suspension of Scottish football beneath the Championship amid the escalating covid-19 situation.
Even if this game is not fulfilled there could be a chance for Dickson to make his league debut if the title is wrapped up well before the final day.
This looks extremely likely with the Gers currently 20 points clear of Celtic and less than half of the season to go, so Dickson will be itching to get some minutes in after it is secured.
In other Rangers news, club reportedly in talks to sign 24y/o Bournemouth defender on a free transfer.