UNDER-19s captain Aiden McCallion says he’s excited by what’s at stake in the league ahead of the side’s remaining two fixtures this campaign.
The young Gers recorded an Old Firm victory yesterday, with the midfielder on the scoresheet from the penalty spot, which moved them to the summit of the league table on goal difference.
Victory for the side in their final two league outings, away to both Dundee United and St. Mirren, would seal the league championship, barring an improbable goal difference swing.
McCallion, 17, is under no illusions as to the challenge ahead of the young side, but he can’t help but feel excited by the prospect.
Speaking to the official Rangers website, the teenager commented: “We’re excited. It’s two hard places to go against two good teams who will make it hard for us, but if we keep playing how we have in recent weeks, we’ll hopefully get the job done.
“It was a big win [yesterday], especially against Celtic at home and in a game where you don’t want to lose.
“It’s a big step forward for us to get three points with two games to go. We’re top of the league now, and hopefully we can carry this run on and go and achieve what we want.
“All the boys knew it was a big game, and there was no getting away from it. If the shoe were on the other foot, then we would want to stop Celtic winning it.
“We played really well on the day and showed why we deserve to be where we are in the table.”
It was an impressive display yesterday from the young side who scored either side of the half-time interval to secure a priceless three points.
They were clinical when opportunities presented themselves, and a controlled showing ensued in the second half when Celtic were reduced to ten men.
On the game, McCallion continued: “We started very well. We were on the front foot and put them under a lot of pressure.
“We got the goal which helped, and we were able to carry it on into the second half.
“We got the penalty, and then the red card finishes the game off. I would say we probably weren’t at our best after the red card, but we managed to get the job done.”
The Under-19s squad has been bolstered in recent months by several 2010-born players.
Kyle Glasgow and Ashton Scally have this year signed their first professional contracts at the club after turning 16, while 15-year-old midfielder Luca Rankin opened the scoring yesterday with a terrific strike in off the post.
McCallion added: “There is a lot of energy in the squad. The younger players who haven’t been playing want to prove a point as to why they should be playing every week.
“The Under-17s won their own league, so they know what it’s all about coming into the last few games. The four or five younger players who have been starting for us have done consistently well.
“We have a decent squad with a lot of boys fighting for positions. If someone isn’t available or we need to rotate, we still have full belief in the boys coming in to take their places.”
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