ARCHIE STEVENS insists he’s relishing the opportunity to run out at Hampden Stadium in this evening’s Scottish Youth Cup final clash against Celtic.
The young Gers will compete in the final of the prestigious youth competition for the third edition in a row, defeating their Old Firm rivals in the showpiece youth encounter back in 2019 before downing Hearts in a 2-1 triumph 12 months ago.
Speaking exclusively to RangersTV ahead of the final, Stevens commented: “I’m buzzing for it. It’s been a good run so far, but obviously I’ve missed a few rounds with my injuries. To get the chance to play at Ibrox like we did in the previous round, the feeling was brilliant. We haven’t been the best in the league this year, so this is a redemption for us. We need to go, attack it, and bring a positive end to the season.
“I’ve only played in one Old Firm match with the Under-18s, but I managed to play with the B Team [in the City of Glasgow Cup] after I returned from injury. It’s massive every time you step into that game. I knew about the rivalry before I came up to Scotland, but since I’ve been here it means so much more. It’s bigger than people think and to be part of it is massive. You want to get to the final, but to play against your rivals is an even bigger bonus.”
The 17-year-old made his first-team debut at Ibrox only months after arriving at the club in the Gers’ 3-1 victory over Queen of the South in the Viaplay Cup back in August.
Stevens believes that the experience has only served to increase his hunger this season, with the Englishman starting and playing 65 minutes in the 3-0 victory over Hamilton Academical in the semi-final of the competition at Ibrox last month.
He continued: “It was a great taste of first-team football, and it gave me the hunger to get back onto that stage soon. To play in a stadium, and to get a feel for it before the Youth Cup semi-final, was brilliant, and I took that into the game. I’ve never experienced Hampden before so that will be another learning curve and I’m looking forward to it.
“You get the buzz every time that you’re there. To be on the pitch, and looking around, was amazing, while we were able to get fans down which was brilliant. It’s amazing to play there, no matter the occasion, and we’re looking forward to playing at Hampden as well. It should be a great experience.
“I haven’t been to Hampden yet, so I’m looking forward to that. I’ve loved every minute up here, and Ibrox is sensational. To experience Hampden, not only as a fan but to play on the pitch, is something that everyone wants to do.”
Kick-off at the national stadium is 7pm and the match is available to watch on BBC Scotland.
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