OLIVER GOODBRAND says he’s hungry for more B Team opportunities this campaign after making his debut at just 15-years-old in the victory over Partick Thistle on Tuesday evening.
The teenager has featured on occasion for Steven Smith’s Under-18s side and was entrusted with replacing Robbie Fraser for the final half hour in the 5-0 victory over the Jags in the Glasgow Cup.
Speaking to the official Rangers website after celebrating his debut, Goodbrand said: “I found out [the night before].
“I thought I was just coming in today to train. I was just lying in my bed and I got a text at 10:30pm saying that I was in the squad.
“I was focussed on just being myself, getting on the ball, and doing the things that I do best.
“It’s brilliant and getting exposure to play against experienced players is only going to help my development. It’s definitely something which will make me improve.
“I’m hungry for more of these opportunities because it’s what I believe will make me progress as a player the most.”
Having yet to turn 16, Goodbrand still splits his time between school and training.
He has been no stranger to training with the B Team group this season, although he says the step-up from Under-16s football was an eye-opener when he took to the pitch.
And replacing Fraser, six years his senior, in the second period, Goodbrand revealed that the 21-year-old had some words of advice for the youngster.
He said: “Robbie spoke to me before the game and said to go out and be myself.
“He spoke to me after the game and told me ‘well done’. I look up to those players.
“It’s different going from playing in the Under-16s to a full-time environment in terms of the physical elements. And also going in with the B Team, the level just goes up.
“I’ve trained a few times with the B Team. I feel like the speed of the ball is a lot quicker and the players are more demanding. It’s not too much of a difference and I can cope.”