MALKY Thomson says he is delighted to see young players take their opportunities at Under-19s level this season after last night's Glasgow Cup penalty shootout victory over Queen's Park.
2010-born Ruaridh Hall was on the scoresheet to bring Rangers level in the second half after the side conceded inside the opening 15 seconds.
There was also a first Under-19s start for Luke Ramage in defence, who performed impressively alongside Conor Owen, 16.
Speaking to RangersTV after the game, Thomson commented: "I thought Ruaridh's goal was excellent.
"It was a great pass from Conor Owen, and Ruaridh gambles, runs the channels well and manages to put the opponent under pressure.
"We have some talent in the building. It was also Luke Ramage's first 90 minutes, and he stuck to his task.
"We've said all along that there will be opportunities for them, and it's up to the players to grab those opportunities should they arise."
On the support staff around the players, he continued: "It's all down to the staff around them.
"We have great sports scientists and a physiotherapist who has worked tirelessly to get Aiden McCallion his first 90 minutes.
"We have a good goalkeeping coach in Conor Brennan, and now we have Craig McPherson in.
"A lot of credit needs to go to the staff who are around them, but there's also a real buy-in.
"The players know we're here to help and encourage them to make sure they get the best possible career at Rangers."
It was a game in which the young Gers grew into after the concession of an early opener.
Cormac Christie, playing his first minutes following an injury lay-off, went close from a corner in the first-half, while Max Cameron shot dangerously into the arms of the Queen's Park goalkeeper.
A bonus point penalty shootout was required following Hall's equaliser, and Rangers once again showed their mettle in dispatching four spot-kicks.
Thomson added: "I thought we grew into the game. We lost a goal inside the first 30 seconds of the game.
"I thought we struggled in the first half in terms of our defensive shape, and we had to sort that at half-time, which we did.
"I thought we defended our penalty box really well, and there was a real determination about the squad.
"There was a lot of hard work and effort, a lot of running off the ball, so I'm pleased for them, and we definitely deserved the win."
Rangers Academy is proudly sponsored by Carrick Packaging
VIP HOSPITALITY: Combining all the passion, excitement and joy of football with an unrivalled choice of suites and packages, a matchday at Ibrox can be exactly what you want it to be
SOCCER ACADEMY: Kicking off from 18 months old, with classes across Scotland and Northern Ireland, available term-time and holidays
ASK RANGERS: A dedicated platform where fans can access essential Q&As on ticketing, VIP hospitality and MyGers, and contact our Supporter Services team