‘Game changer’ Alex Lowry tipped to shine at Rangers after Hearts loan
Alex Lowry will shine on loan at Hearts and could get his chance under Michael Beale at Rangers next season, according to Kevin Thomson.
The former Rangers midfielder claimed on BBC’s Scottish Football Podcast (15 August) that Lowry had one of the “best football IQs” among the young players that he had worked with and called him a “game changer”.
The 20-year-old midfielder is currently on loan at Hearts, but Thomson claims his best chance to break into the Rangers first team is under Beale.
Speaking on the Scottish Football Podcast, Thomson said: “He’s a massive talent. Probably with all the young players that I’ve worked with, especially at Ibrox, Lowry is probably the one that has the best football IQ that I’ve seen.
“Just that awareness and that vision and just the picture in his brain that sets him apart. He isn’t the biggest athlete, he’s a unique player, he likes to play in front of the ball and he’s a game changer.
“He’s more suited to a team that dominates the ball than a team without it. I’m his biggest fan and I hope that he does really well at the Jambos.
“I think it’ll be a great platform for him at a brilliant club to go and showcase his talent. He’s got a challenge on his hands to prove to the manager at Rangers that he’s ready to play for Hearts week in, week out.
“I’ve got to think that there is one Rangers manager who is passionate about youth it’s Michael Beale, if you were ever going to get a chance it’d be under him.”
Big future
If the youngster can make his mark at Hearts as a quality midfielder this season, then Beale must consider him a genuine option next year.
Thomson worked with Lowry while he worked as a youth coach for Rangers and saw his natural ability from a young age. If anyone knows what Lowry is capable of, it’s Thomson.
His claims about Lowry’s “unique” ability and ball-playing skill will pique Rangers fans’ interest as they keep an eye on his development during his loan.
The Ibrox academy graduate has made 14 senior appearances for Rangers so far in his career, so the club clearly see a future for the lad. However, a loan move certainly felt necessary for Lowry so he could earn regular minutes in the league.
“He’s got to fight to show he’s worthy of playing here at Rangers,” Beale said in January. “I like it when a young player’s got interest around him, as long as it’s valid and I think Alex has got some parts of his game that are excellent and other parts that a 19-year-old needs to work on.”
So Beale feels Lowry has the potential to crack the first-team, but naturally must hone his ability before regular league minutes are rewarded.
If Thomson’s comments are anything to go by, Rangers could have a future star on their hands.
In other Rangers news, a BBC pundit has predicted a double Ibrox exit before the window closes.