Michael Beale promotes Adam Devine to Rangers first-team with eyes on post-James Tavernier life
Michael Beale has promoted Rangers teenager Adam Devine to the first-team as the potential long-term successor to James Tavernier, the Daily Record reports.
The new Ibrox boss isn’t hanging around in making changes to his squad before the transfer window opens, and Devine is among a trio of youngsters he’s handed a “chance to impress” in his first days back at the club.
The 19-year-old right-back has been joined by striker Zak Lovelace and midfielder Charlie McCann, who can take advantage of low numbers on the training ground with players given extended time off or at the World Cup.
According to the Record report: “Beale has made it clear he sees the Ibrox academy as a major part of his future plans.”
There will be a lot of eyes on Devine, who only signed a new three-year contract at the club on 9 October, given captain Tavernier’s ever present status, and suggestions he has been playing through injury this season [Scottish Daily Express].
The Record notes: “Devine is seen as the long-term cover for captain James Tavernier.”
Opportunity
Beale is making moves immediately, and his mooted focus on youth appears to have already come to the fore, so fans will likely be encouraged.
Tavernier has been below his usual influential standards so far this campaign, with fears that he has been run into the ground despite being short of 100% fitness.
There has been next to nothing to push him for his place or give him a rest since Rangers sold Nathan Patterson to Everton last January.
The Light Blues signed Mateusz Zukowski in the same window but he is already out on loan at Lech Poznan with an option to make the deal permanent, so doesn’t look to have long-term prospects at Ibrox.
Therefore, soon after cementing his own future in Glasgow this is a major chance for Devine to stake his claim to be the immediate back-up to Gers legend Tavernier, and grasp the nettle of being the long-term successor.
The 31-year-old skipper has played 373 times for the Bears but some meaningful relief at the position should extend his career at the club.
Devine meanwhile has made just three senior appearances, and how has the chance to put himself in line for more.
In other Rangers news, the club are fighting back against yet more legal threats relating to the controversial Celtic tour.