Malky Thomson Competition Driving Development

MALKY Thomson says he wants to give young players a platform to showcase their ability at Under-19s level as the side target a strong second half of the campaign.

The young Gers are in the mix at the summit of the CAS Elite League, while they sit in a strong position in both the League Cup and Glasgow Cup group stage with several matches remaining.

Thomson took charge of the group for their 3-0 victory over Motherwell on Monday afternoon and says to expect more Under-17 eligible players to be given opportunities to play up a level for the remainder of the campaign.

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160226 Motherwell u19 vs Rangers u19, Sam Reid 48

Speaking to RangersTV to reflect on the win, Thomson commented: "Part of my job prior to coming into the Under-19s at the minute was to make sure that from May to December we had the Under-17s squad playing well and having players that we could push up.

"We were still missing boys like Kyle Glasgow who is on international duty, so there is a competition level in the squad.

One of those younger players was 2009-born goalkeeper Sam Reid, who made his third Under-19s start in the triumph at K-Park.

On his impressive performance, which earned the teenager a clean sheet, Thomson continued: "The confidence started right from the back. Sam made a fantastic save in the first-half, and I thought his use of the ball was good.

"There was an air of confidence about him, a calmness, which spreads through the team and you could see that."

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160226 Motherwell u19 vs Rangers u19, Jack Wyllie Goal Celebration 27

The win made it two wins from three in the side's League Cup group stage campaign after a similarly impressive 3-0 victory over the Lanarkshire side in the reverse fixture back in December.

Rangers scored three times in a rampant first-half on Monday, and Thomson says he was delighted with his side's use of possession.

He added: "We had a fantastic training session in preparation for the game. But I thought the energy and enthusiasm that they brought to their play allows them to play football.

"The boys have been schooled since 11-years-old and they're encouraged to pass the ball. What was evident on Monday is that we had a real appetite.

"We were controlled and measured out of possession, but when we went to press the ball we pressed it with an intent."


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