LEYTON GRANT says Rangers Under-18s must grasp the opportunity that lies ahead of them as the young Gers square off against Aberdeen in the Scottish Youth Cup final at Hampden Stadium this evening.
The Light Blues are bidding to write their own chapter in Rangers Academy history by lifting the prestigious youth trophy, which will be played in front of a crowd at the national stadium and broadcast live on BBC One Scotland.
The young Gers have triumphed three times in the last four editions of the competition, although Grant, in his second year as an Under-18s player, was on the losing side 12 months ago when a ten-man Rangers were edged out in extra time.
Speaking to the official Rangers website ahead of this evening’s final, the Under-18s captain commented: “We’re all excited. It’s a great experience which I’m looking forward to, especially after the way that last year went. There’s a real buzz about the group.
“The mood after last season’s final? It wasn’t great. It was hard, and because it’s a one-off final you know that you may not get that opportunity again.
“I think that’s why there was such a drive going into it this year, and it’s now our time to put it right.
“It’s the biggest showcase in Scotland. It’s where you want to be at the end of the season, and with it being live on the TV then it’s exactly what you want.
“Aside from the first couple of games which we were expected to win comfortably, we’ve certainly not had it easy [in our run to the final].
“The last two games have been tough and we’ve had to stick together. The performances have been very good in both games and we deserve to be where we are.”
The young Gers are led in the dugout by Steven Smith, who triumphed in this competition as a Rangers youngster back in 2002.
Grant insists that Smith’s experience has been invaluable during their journey to the final.
And the 18-year-old says he’s excited for all that accompanies the occasion of a cup final, playing infront of family, friends, and an expectant Rangers support.
He added: “Stevie Smith was telling me all of last year that he’s won a Youth Cup and I haven’t!
“As a team, we really trust him because he’s had all the experience at the top level of the game.
“He’s played a number of professional games and you need to take that all in.
“My mum is charge of all [the tickets], and I think there are about 30 people coming along from my side.
“I’m also hoping for a big audience inside Hampden, so it should be a great spectacle.”
There are still tickets available for tonight’s Scottish Youth Cup final showdown at Hampden Stadium here.