WILSON made the breakthrough to Walter Smith's top team in the 2009/10 season and it turned out to be a stunning debut season for the Livingston-born youngster.

A tall, left-sided central defender, Danny had been a regular figure in Billy Kirkwood's under-19 side and captained the team that came so close to completing a third consecutive league and cup double in 2008/09.

Such was his early potential he quickly pushed his way in to the Reserve set-up and was named on the top team bench for the first time in the Homecoming Scottish Cup fourth round-tie against St. Johnstone in January 2009.

It was nine months later that Wilson would earn his first competitive appearance for the first team when he lined up in a Co-operative Insurance Cup quarter final tie against Dundee in October 2009.

His steady performance in a central defensive pairing with Sasa Papac earned the then 17-year-old widespread praise, including from manager Walter Smith.

Just over a week later he again looked strong and composed on his Champions League debut as he slotted in alongside Davie Weir and looked like he had been part of the team for years.

Those were two of six consecutive starts for the talented teen which included an SPL debut agaunst Dundee United that was ultimately wiped from the records after it was abandoned at half time.

After a rapid rise Wilson dropped out of the team due to Madjid Bougherra's return but he was again recalled to the first team for an Old Firm debut in the New Year derby of 2010.

That game came just a week after his 18th birthday, an occasion that also marked his promotion to the senior ranks at Murray Park along with fellow teenager John Fleck.

In total Wilson made 24 starts in the club's double winning season in 2009/10 and was named the SPFA, SFWA and Rangers Young Player of the Year.