Jonty Banks

Fri 23 December 2022 20:13, UK

Andy Walker was left mightily impressed by the attacking impetus of young Rangers left-back Adam Devine in their Scottish Premiership match against Ross County.

Michael Beale’s side arrived into the fixture (Friday 23 December) on the back of consecutive 3-2 wins in the league and dominated the early exchanges before John Lundstram smashed home the opener.

Devine proved himself a menace down his flank with a number of piercing runs in behind the Staggies’ defence in the first half, and Sky Sports pundit Walker was clearly left impressed.

“That’s now becoming a problem for Ross County far too often,” he said live on Sky Sports [23 December, 19:45].

“Devine has got on the ball, he’s timing his run to perfection, getting in behind three or four times now.”

Bright start

Devine certainly proved himself a livewire in the early stages of the fixture and was full of running down his left-hand side. Having been awarded a run of fixtures in Beale’s starting XI since his arrival at the club, Devine has proven himself a revelation and highlights just how good the English manager is at promoting young stars.

It was an obvious ploy to get in behind Ross County’s back-four with through balls played by the likes of Ryan Kent, and it proved effective as the 19-year-old got himself in several crossing positions at the by-line.

The tactical analysis by Beale and his staff was clear to see, and this energetic, forward-thinking tactic is a clear change to that of his predecessor, Giovanni van Bronckhorst who was criticised for his slow, lethargic build-up play.

If Devine can continue to shine under Beale, he could yet make the position his own in the long run.

In other Rangers news, billionaire-owned club want to sign £5m contract rebel in January.