Rangers: Chris Jack shares whether Cole McKinnon will start at Ibrox v Benfica
Chris Jack has insisted that, while Cole McKinnon may not earn a start for Rangers in the Europa League clash with Benfica, he will definitely be in the squad.
The Rangers Review journalist shared his hope that McKinnon will follow in the footsteps of fellow academy graduate Ross McCausland to establish himself in the first-team squad.
At 21 years old, the midfielder will be looking to make an impact on the team during the ongoing injury crisis at Ibrox having been involved in the 2-2 draw with Benfica and 2-0 win against Hibernian.
Speaking on The Rangers Review [11 March], Jack shared: “McKinnon has come in and been really impressive. We’ve spoken a lot about Ross McCausland when he first came into the squad.
“It’s about being fit and when the door opens you have to take the opportunity in an impressive way. McKinnon can follow that example.
“McKinnon, I’m not sure he’s in line for a start, but he’s definitely going to be in the squad. He’ll definitely be in the squad against Dundee as well, and fair play to him, he’s been really impressive.”
Time for new youngsters to come through Rangers’ academy
McCausland has set the benchmark for any emerging talents in the Rangers academy by establishing himself as a key part of Philippe Clement’s squad after taking his opportunity when it fell to him earlier this season.
The similarities with McKinnon’s emergence are clear – being handed an opportunity during an injury crisis – and as Jack shared, the midfielder must ensure he follows in the footsteps of his teammate.
McCausland has received high praise for his performances so far this season, becoming one of the standouts with Clement’s side continuing to fly high in the SPFL.
McKinnon, meanwhile, has wowed fans and pundits alike despite not having started a game so far, with his cameo performances on the bench proving a promising insight into his development and the path he could take into the first team.
While that elusive first start may still avoid the 21-year-old, if he continues to impress in the way he has so far when coming off the bench, it should not be too far away.
In other Rangers news, Gers have suffered a “big blow” to Dujon Sterling.
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