Clement reveals Rangers have sought SFA assistance over Ibrox academy

Philippe Clement has outlined Rangers plan to bridge the gap between the academy and the first-team at the club's AGM.

The club have been criticised recently by former striker Kris Boyd for failing to give academy talents a chance in the first-team.

However, the Gers boss defended his record when it comes to giving academy players a chance in the first-team claiming that there is a big gap in quality between the academy and the first-team at the moment.

Speaking at the club's AGM [Daily Record], the Belgian also confirmed plans to set-up a reserve team but admitted that it faced huge opposition from rival clubs, saying: "I have a good record in giving chances to young players. A lot of good work being done in academy.

"The bar to be Rangers player is very high. Still a gap between that bar and our academy players. Looking at solutions like asking the federation (SFA) to put out players in a team in second league but difficult as opposition from other clubs."

Rangers need to do better with academy talent

Former Gers attacker Boyd was not wrong in his criticism, the club have not implemented enough young talents in recent years.

For example, 18-year-old Bailey Rice was signed for £500,000 but has only made three appearances in the Scottish Premiership across a period of three seasons.

Ross McCausland is the only academy talent that has been able to constantly break into first-team contention under Clement.

The club's plan to form a development team is a good idea but it is very unlikely that it will happen due to the protests of other teams.

Therefore, the Gers need to find a different solution to the gap between the academy and the first-team squad.

McCausland has shown that youngsters can succeed, so it is time for the club to put their faith in youth and give them a chance to make an impact.

In other Rangers news, John Gilligan has issued an apology to Rangers fans.

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