With the constant transfer activity at Rangers in recent times, it is easy to forget about the presence of a handful of players at Ibrox.
Centre-backs Leon King and Ben Davies perhaps fall into that category, although both were named on the bench against Ayr United on Saturday (10 February).
Connor Goldson and Leon Balogun have been favoured by manager Philippe Clement in that area, with John Souttar next in line.
Despite the lower league opponents for the Scottish Cup fifth round clash at Ibrox on Saturday, the Belgian opted for a strong XI. And it proved to be a wise decision, with the Gers running out 2-0 winners to land a place in the next round.
It was Goldson and Souttar who were selected from the start, although Clement did prove that he still has the club’s academy in mind, with both Leon King and Robby McCrorie named on the bench.
Rangers boss Clement turns to King
King was given minutes in the clash, with the 20-year-old appearing in the 85th minute for just his fourth appearance of the season.
It was telling that Clement turned to the young defender to help see out the 2-0 win, and indeed how King was chosen over the more experienced Davies.
The decision is perhaps a gentle reminder that despite an influx of players from elsewhere in recent transfer windows, academy graduates still have a chance under the current regime.
In another boost to young players at the club, the Gers clearly have big plans for their academy, with former OH Leuven Head of Technical Development having been recently appointed as Head of Academy Football at Ibrox [official Rangers website, 7 November 2023].
In other Rangers news, a journalist has detailed fresh Gers talks for a new signing after a failed Ibrox move in the January transfer window.
