IN the next instalment of our In Profile series shining a light on our Academy players, Callum Burnside discusses his footballing journey from the shores of Northern Ireland to the Rangers youth set-up.
Burnside enjoyed a stellar campaign with the Under-18s, displaying his versatility in his capacity to operate in both midfield and the forward line.
“I grew up in Ballymena, Northern Ireland,” Burnside reflected.
“My first boys club was a team called North End United who were based in Ballymena.”
The youngster’s journey in Northern Ireland took him to Linfield, where he developed into a midfielder capable of fulfilling a multitude of roles.
He was a standout in the club’s youth system where he was spotted by Rangers and, after a diligent process, signed a professional contract at the club in 2023.
“I did a representative match in Northern Ireland where I played as a part of a Rangers side against Derry City,” he continued.
“I did well and got brought over in a trial two weeks later, where we played a team called Fife Elite and I scored two in that game.
“I joined Rangers in July 2023.
“I was here on trial from the age of 14 and even being about the club, being brought over on weekends to play games, made it an easy decision. My family were all for it.
“There were some nerves moving away and coming over to a different country, but there was also the excitement of joining Rangers, such a big club, and playing football.
He actually lives in a little town just outside where I stayed in Ballymena.
“I was a bit overwhelmed because there aren’t many professional set-ups back in Northern Ireland.
“It was mental coming over because there were so many players.
“I was usually training just Tuesday and Thursday nights in Northern Ireland, so it was different coming over.”
Burnside has certainly hit the goal trail this campaign, netting several vital contributions including in the side’s SPFL Trust Trophy exploits in the first half of the season.
Despite the teenager’s roots lying in midfield, his hunger for scoring goals was always inevitably going to lead to a shift further forward.
“My position currently is as a left winger, but I can also play in the No.10 role,” Burnside added.
“I used to be a central midfielder, so I’ve bounced around a few different positions.
“I was a holding midfielder when I first started playing at Linfield, then I moved into a role as a No.8. But Rangers saw me better as a winger or a No.10.
“I feel that I need to be powerful and have a good range of passing in my position.
“I also feel that you need to finish well because you’ll find yourself in the penalty box a lot of the time.
“I think I finish well and have a good knack for goals.
To be a complete left winger, you need to have the other side of not getting on the ball.
“The best position that I would like to play if I didn’t play in midfield would be as a striker because they get all the glory!”