THROUGHOUT the campaign, we’ll be getting to know our young Gers a little bit better and find out about their journeys to the Rangers Academy.
This week, we sat down with Rangers Under-18s captain Leyton Grant who revealed his childhood idol, his greatest memory in football, first pair of football boots, and much more.
Joining the Boys Academy as a 12-year-old, the central defender joined full-time in 2022 and was a mainstay in the Under-18s side last season.
Grant has since enjoyed regular exposure to B Team football, featuring most recently in the victory over Dundee earlier this week.
The 17-year-old is also capped at Scotland Under-19 level, featuring alongside club teammate Bailey Rice in his side’s recent friendlies ahead of this month’s European Championship qualifiers.
When did you join Rangers? I was at Forth Valley Academy before I joined Rangers when I was roughly 12-years-old.
Who was your first boyhood club? It was Breadalbane FC where I grew up.
Have you always been a defender or did you play any other positions in the past? I actually started out as a striker at my boys club. I gradually turned into a winger, then central midfield, before I moved back one into central defence.
Who was your football hero growing up and why? Steven Gerrard was my first boyhood idol because my mum’s family were all Liverpool fans.
What is the first ever Rangers game that you can remember? The first ever game that I remember going along to was against Brechin City in the Third Division when the ball got stuck in the hedge.
What is your go-to pre-match meal? I change it up usually, but I’ve been having a bagel, beans and egg recently which does the trick.
What is your favourite cheat meal? I love a really good burger from a restaurant.
Do you enjoy playing/watching any other sports? I actually really enjoy watching tennis. I’m also into snooker and the darts when it comes on over New Year.
What is currently your favourite TV show? That’s a tough one, but I have just recently finished Better Call Saul and that’s an amazing TV series.
What is your best memory in football so far? I’ve had a few so far, but I would say representing Scotland at the Under-17 Euro’s last summer.
Who is your favourite band or artist? As a few in the squad may say, Lil Baby.
Messi or Ronaldo? Messi every day of the week.
Who are your three dream dinner guests, dead or alive? Tim Grover who was Michael Jordan’s trainer. Then I’d go Stevie Smith, and Eminem to round it off.
What is something you have always wanted to achieve in life away from football? I would love to climb Mount Everest when I retire. Failing that, just a massive peak that I could tick off the list.
Favourite holiday destination? Definitely Sydney, Australia. My uncle stays only ten minutes from Bondi Beach. Canberra is lovely too.
Favourite subject in school? I loved English because I got on well with the teacher.
Your first pair of football boots? I remember getting a pair of all-white Umbro’s when I was five-years-old to go with my black-and-red Rangers kit.
Which player would you least want to be stuck on a desert island with and why? I’ll go with Bailey Rice because we’d end up fighting after 12 hours!