In Profile: Josh Gentles

IN the next instalment of our In Profile series shining a light on our Academy players, Josh Gentles discusses his journey and his development as a forward in the youth ranks.

The 17-year-old has spent the second half of the campaign so far on loan at Alloa Athletic, gaining valuable experience in Scottish League One.

Reflecting on his early days in football, Gentles commented: “I first got into football at age three or four.

“I played for my boys club for a bit and then St. Mirren wanted me.

“Erskine was my first boys club when I was younger.

“The positions that I play are as a No.9 or just off the striker.

“When I was younger, I played a little bit as the wider one, but mostly central.

“I grew up in Erskine, but I am originally from Renfrew.

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The Wales youth international went on to reflect on his earliest memories in Light Blue.

He continued: “I was seven years old when I joined Rangers. I’ve been here for around ten years now.

“It was a big surprise joining from St. Mirren when I was a younger kid because everything was different.

“It was a big shiny building and just seeing it compared to what I had at St. Mirren.

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021224 B Team Training, Josh Gentles 08

“There, you’re just training straight away, whereas here you’re seeing a lot of changing rooms, staff, and it’s a different scenario.

“At the time, I was playing above my age at St. Mirren, getting a lot of opportunities, and doing well.

“I really enjoyed it and I would never have a bad word to say about the club.

“I remember my first training session a little bit because we done an hour session in the indoor hall and it was new to me because the standard went up a lot.

“My coaches when I was younger at Rangers were Malky [Thomson] and Drew [Todd]. Growing up, I had guys like Greg Statt and Jim McNee at Under-12s.

“I remember my first game being on the outdoor astro against Pollok.

“I was playing off the right and it was a good game.

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031224 Queen-s Park vs Rangers B, Josh Gentles 213

As a forward, the frontman give an insight into his best attributes in the final third and which current striker he looks to try base his game off.

He added: “I loved Harry Kane when I was younger and I still do now.

“The way that he plays is a role model for me and it’s perfect the way he plays.

“He is also the player that I play most like.

“He plays not just as an out-and-out No.9, but he comes short, drops into space, and wants to get on the ball and turn.

“A key attribute for my position is timing; knowing when to get in the penalty box, run in-behind, and when to be a link man.

“My best attribute is my finishing and knowing when to finish.

“If I could play in any other position then I would play a little bit deeper as a No.8 or as a box-to-box midfielder.”


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