The former Rangers rising star has impressed with his latest performance for Aston Villa

Former Rangers starlet Rory Wilson enjoyed a superb performance for Aston Villa’s U19s on Wednesday as they stormed to a 6-0 win over Albanian outfit KF Skenderbeu in the UEFA Youth League.

Wilson was responsible for half of the goals on Villa’s tally as he netted a second half hat-trick. His efforts took his tally to four goals across the two legs against Skenderbeu.

Ex-Rangers starlet Rory Wilson scores hat-trick in UEFA competition

Villa’s U19s have progressed to the third round, where they will face Dutch club AZ Alkmaar.

Reflecting on his performance, Wilson said it was a ‘pleasing’ time for him as the young Villans cruised into the next round.

“We obviously went over there two weeks ago and it was a tough game, but coming back here, we just tried to impose our style of play,” Wilson said.

“I thought we were really good. The lads were brilliant. Delighted get through to the next round, and we’re looking forward to the next challenge.

“It’s nice to obviously score, but as I say, the most important thing is the team getting through, so to do that was brilliant. We look forward to the next round.”

Rory Wilson’s move from Rangers to Aston Villa

Now 19, Wilson will be looking at moving up through the ranks at Aston Villa and eventually earning himself a place in the senior side.

After working is way through the Rangers Academy from the age of eight, he made the move to the West Midlands club in 2022. The forward made one appearance for the Light Blues’ B team during his time at Ibrox.

When Wilson signed for Villa, Rangers were looking to pocket a transfer fee for the deal but the Premier League argued it only warranted a ‘low training compensation fee’, due him not signing a professional contract in Glasgow.

Rangers were paid a reported £350,000 fee for the signing of Wilson.

“We are delighted that Rory has joined us having had a number of clubs interested in signing him," said academy manager Mark Harrison at the time of the deal.

“He is a goalscorer with a lot of potential, having also represented Scotland at international youth level.”

Wilson’s position at the club looked in doubt earlier this year, as he was forced to train alone after suffering an ankle injury. Rumours started to swirl around a potential exit for the Scotsman, but Monchi, the club’s former president of football operations, was eager to discover a resolution.