Rangers: How Ashton Scally and Aiden McCallion came to define Scottish youth debate

Aiden McCallion and Ashton Scally took the next step in their respective Rangers careers last season when making their debuts for the club.

That's something that many Gers youngsters have been unable to do over the years, or at least get the chance to be consistent starters for the Bears.

The Gers put a lot of time into developing their youth at Auchenhowie, which has been integral to some of the success at Ibrox over the course of their history.

However, recent seasons have seen a lack of youth talent being given a chance in their first team, but that's not just the case at Rangers.

Many teams in Scotland are having difficulty with promoting their own homegrown players, but the Scottish FA have taken steps to help this with the seamless loan transfers of 16-to 21-year-olds.

Scally and McCallion are two of Rangers' hottest prospects, but will they be given a chance under Derek McInnes in the future?

Ashton Scally and Aiden McCallion used as example in youth development debate

Scally and McCallion both made their debuts for Rangers in the 5-2 win against Falkirk

This came once the Bears' goal of winning the title was already crushed, as Danny Rohl then saw fit to use the pair in the final moments of the win.

The duo each got 10 minutes of professional football under their belts, as Zebedee Lawson also came on with them.

While speaking on Open Goal, Andy Halliday and Simon Ferry both discussed the limited opportunities for Scottish talent, as Scally and McCallion were both made examples.

Halliday said: "I think every team in Scotland has the want and the will to bring through youth players, but when it comes to being under pressure on a Saturday, they're going to go for experience over the U21s."

Ferry asked: "Who have Rangers produced recently? I loved seeing that, Bailey [Rice] going to Kilmarnock."

Halliday then responded: "Young McAllion and Scally [played] the last game of the season."

Ferry said: "I mean young players that played consistently last year."

Halliday then almost took back his claim, going into agreement with Ferry, and suggesting that there is a lack of real opportunities for youngsters.

Findlay Curtis' breakthrough was also mentioned, but it's clear to see that he had a better shot of reaching his potential after seeking a short loan move away from the Light Blues in January.

Scally and McCallion are just another two examples and it will be interesting to see how their careers play out at Ibrox, especially with McInnes now at the helm.

Derek McInnes has already opened door for Rangers youngsters

McInnes will be involved in lots of decisions at Rangers, including the management of the academy.

He will be able to get a first look at youth talent in pre-season, and perhaps the next Curtis will come along and impress him this summer.

The Rangers boss has already stated that every player at the club will get an opportunity to impress him, and that will include the academy stars.

It may be a hard task for some, but Scally and McCallion have already taken their first steps towards becoming regular starters in the future.