Ashton Scally opens up on influence of Rangers' first-team star behind the scenes
Ashton Scally has revealed that he is regularly in contract with first-team stars at Rangers.
The 16-year-old left back made headlines in May when he made his senior debut for the Ibrox side.
Danny Rohl handed him the opportunity on the final day of the campaign against Falkirk.
However, his season has been hampered by injury and he did not have the chance to impress Derek McInnes in pre-season.
He has recently returned from his issue, and played an hour in the Scottish Youth Cup clash against Dundee United's youth team.
He has resumed training with the senior side and shared which player has taken him under his wing behind the scenes.
Who is helping Ashton Scally at Rangers?
James Penrice returned to Rangers in the summer on loan with the option to buy, after he spent time in their academy when he was young.
He is the man who is helping Scally to develop his game, as the Ibrox gem admitted in a recent interview.
Speaking after that victory against the young Tangerines, he said: “I speak with James [Penrice] quite frequently on what he does and what I can use in my game.
“We’re both quite similar players, so they push me and I hopefully try and push them.
“But the main thing for me is just go and train, see how I am, go with the group and just keep going.”
It is good to see Penrice trying to help the academy star to refine his game, and therefore increase his chances of another breakthrough in the next few months.
Tuur Rommens and Penrice are currently ahead of him in the pecking order, but Scally will fancy his chances of uprooting them in the future.
Why Rangers need to make sure Penrice stays in Govan
The Gers need to do everything they can to keep Penrice, as he is clearly a positive influence.
He knows what it means to don the blue shirt, as he supported the club growing up.
Speaking earlier this month about his future, he said: “If you’re asking me if I see myself staying here, I’d say probably.
“If I had the choice, I’d stay, but ultimately it won’t be up to me.
“There’s an option in the deal and everything has been well documented.
“For me, I’d love to sign it. But there are logistics and reasons why it might happen or might not happen.
“Those things have to be dealt with in the future and it will be up to my agent and the club to come to an agreement, we’ll see what happens."
The negotiations may be complex, but the Bears need to everything they can to get him permanently.
His performances so far and the way that he is taking an interest in their academy stars and helping them, are proof that he is the right kind of player to have around.
Whether they agree to the option and the salary that Penrice's agents will demand is a different matter, but it makes sense to have him as part of the squad for the foreseeable future.