by Lindsay Herron

DANNY WILSON'S emergence in the Rangers first team over the winter has undoubtedly been one of the best breakthroughs in recent history.

What a shame it would be if the young defender cuts his ties with the Light Blues before his 20^th birthday and pursues a career down south.

The same goes for John Fleck who has been in and around the top team for two years now.

Both players, through their agents, turned down new contract offers from the club and they may not be offered anything else.

Walter Smith indicated as such last week and it would be a disappointment if the two of them did move on.

Wilson has already experienced Champions League drama, the cauldron of the Old Firm, important SPL matches and has also featured in both cup competitions for Rangers.

He has earned many plaudits during this period and he has also proved to be an eloquent and approachable young man.

However, there is no doubt that he still has much to learn and he will only do so by playing matches at the top level.

Walter Smith always had it in his mind to give Wilson a taste this season, but it was certainly not planned that he would play as often. The absences of Madjid Bougherra at different times have facilitated that.

I have no doubt that he is thankful for the opportunities to come into the side and show his capabilities while, at the same time, learn the craft of playing as a central defender beside the ideal mentor in Davie Weir.

However, he should be thinking about continuing that development.

Say, for example, one of the larger clubs in England try to seduce him with a lucrative offer. It would not be to draft him straight into their first team.

He could end up playing reserve or youth football for a few years before getting the call.

Would that be a better option than remaining with Rangers? I doubt it.

We live in uncertain times and if might be the case that Wilson could become a first team regular next season.

Indeed there are those who feel that if he continues to develop as he has been then he has the capability to become a Rangers captain one day.

Of course, a footballer's career can be a short one and self-interest is understandable.

There is money to be made in England - much more than he can earn with Rangers.

However, I would love to see Wilson blossom into a top player with Rangers and, if necessary, then make the move to one of the powerhouse clubs.

The same applies to Fleck. There has been considerable pressure on his shoulders since before his 16^th birthday.

It's fair to say that he has not had the huge impact that some had hoped for, but his chances have been fleeting.

I still feel he has a lot to offer Rangers - particularly playing in a more advanced role like the one he was given in the second half at Hamilton last Saturday.

There is a natural flair to Fleck and he can finish too,

Again, I would love to see him continue his development at Rangers and become a fixture in the side in the years ahead.

He too could find himself playing in the second string of an English side if he were to move south.

It would be great of both Fleck and Wilson became great Rangers players of the future but there is work to be done before that happens.