Alex McLeish: Rangers can’t expect constant flow of talent through academy – Exclusive
We’re delighted to welcome former Rangers manager Alex McLeish as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Ibrox…
Alex McLeish has claimed that it can be near-impossible for young players to break into the first team at clubs such as Rangers.
The Bears have numerous young players away from Ibrox on loan this season, with Ross Wilson and Steven Gerrard delighted with Josh McPake.
McLeish has insisted that some can have high expectations, but you can’t expect your academy to keep producing talent.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, McLeish said, “If you get the chance, you’re obviously good enough.
“At the moment, there are much better players ahead of the youngsters and as Pep Guardiola keeps saying, for a young player to make that step, can be near-impossible.
“You can’t just expect the conveyor belt to keep producing four or five players for the first-team each year. It can be a slow process.”
Big task.
Rangers have shown that they have the capabilities to continue producing talents in Glasgow, with Nathan Patterson the latest to break through to great effect.
The Bears have been invincible so far this season, and it is impossible for younger players to misplace one of the more senior options at Ibrox.
What Gerrard and the squad are doing this season will be inspirational to the academy, and they will be more determined than ever to prove themselves.
McLeish will know more than most, and it will be intriguing to see which talents can scale this massive mountain ahead of them in years to come.
In other Rangers news, Alex McLeish reacts to the new contract for Steven Davis at Ibrox