Rangers eventually got over the line against Dundee and it was in no small part to the cast of youngsters who contributed.
With an injury list capable of forming a decent XI, Philippe Clement had no option but to turn to the academy and there were signs that Auchenhowie is being put to good use after all.
What it also showed, is that Rangers are wasting a lot of money on transfer fees and the weekly wage bill with expensive senior flops.
Rangers academy kids prove that money is being wasted
Leon King has been there and done it before, however, it was a tough shift in the middle of defence for a player who the club is transitioning into a defensive midfielder.
Every game he has played for club and country has been in midfield and it was easy to see.
Rather than spraying hopeful long balls, King constantly probed Dundee’s defence by passing through midfield into feet in what was an encouraging display.
Ross McCausland continues to frustrate, but it was noticeable how much he grew in confidence after getting Rangers first goal.
Ended the night with a goal and an assist in a much better performance and this must become the standard.
Coming on at right-back, Cole McKinnon is normally a box-to-box midfielder.
Every time he has played for the first team, he has stuck his chest out and not let anyone down.
Next season, he must get more minutes, you can’t put a price on a positive mentality and players who would bleed for the club.
Someone else who falls into that category, Rangers B team captain Robbie Fraser came on for Ridvan Yilmaz – who had been outstanding – and there was no drop in quality.
The 21-year old looked like a player determined to take his chance and did exactly that, with his contract running out in the summer, talks should be had to get an extension sealed.
Speaking earlier in the season, Philippe Clement was quick to point out that young players could play a key part in Rangers development:
“So, it’s about players developing themselves. It’s about us as a staff giving them the tools to develop.
“We have some quite interesting young talents now and we have brought a few in the January transfer market.
“We will keep doing that in the next few months and years, but you need a balance because you cannot do it with only young lads who don’t have experience.”
Quality not quantity has to be the target for Clement
The manager has to cut the wage bill.
There are too many players earning big money who aren’t contributing enough.
Rangers, and Clement, have to trust them.
They don’t all have to be world beaters, but players like Maurice Ross, Bob Malcolm and Scott Wilson more than played their part alongside expensive teammates.
There should never be a situation where there are six senior central midfielders, even having four senior centre-halves blocks those that are up and coming.
It’s fine to have a couple of players like Dujon Sterling, who can cover too, but the pathway has to be freed up.
Players like King, McKinnon and Fraser shouldn’t be getting their chance because of an extensive injury list, they should be getting it because they deserve it which is exactly what they have proven
