Rangers icon advises youngster on climbing the ladder as new club suggested after successful SPFL loan switch
The Rangers prospect is returning from his short term spell in the Scottish Championship
Former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson has advised youngster Paul Nsio to head to Kilmarnock next season after a successful loan spell at Raith Rovers.
The 20-year old was farmed out to Stark’s Park at the start of the season to help him get valuable minutes under his belt at first team level. The switch had the desired effect, as Nsio made 31 appearances in all competitions and earned his first piece of silverware in the form of the KDM Evolution Trophy. The midfielder also swept up at the second tier side’s Player of the Year awards.
Rovers boss Dougie Imrie is keen to extend Nsio’s stay at the club, but given his form will now face stiff competition. While it is important for Rangers to ensure the Englishman continues to play regularly, they may be tempted to find a Premiership suitor for his next challenge. Speaking on the Five Star Podcast alongside host Tom Miller, Ferguson believes Kilmarnock would be an ideal option.
Ferguson advises Nsio on next move
Killie boss Neil McCann worked under Ferguson at Ibrox during his interim spell last season. He is currently tasked with keeping the Ayrshire side in the division as they sit precariously in 10th place. Gers winger Findlay Curtis was farmed out to Rugby Park in January and has since received his first call up to the Scotland National Team at the age of 19. Ferguson, who watched Nsio against Ross County in Raith’s last game of the season, has been impressed with the youngster and hopes he take his form into next season.
He said: “I watched [Nsio] last week against Ross County and he was really good. He’s only been out for six months. Players like that need it. This is good for their development. Getting them out and playing them at a real good level, a physical level. I think maybe they might look to loan him out again.”
At this point, co-host Miller interjected, “Kilmarnock potentially?” To which, Ferguson responded: “Aye. And I think it’s important that these boys do go out and experience proper football first and foremost, so when they come back, they’re ready, hopefully, to get into the first team.”
What are the chances Nsio stays at Ibrox?
Nsio can play as both a six or box-to-box midfielder, but given Rangers’ depth in this area it’s unlikely he’d make his way into the starting XI. The Light Blues currently have Nico Raskin, Connor Barron, Mohamed Diomande and Tochi Chukwuani in their ranks who are capable of playing in this role. Nsio has three first-team Rangers appearances to his name.
To add to this, fellow prospect, Bailey Rice has been unable to make his mark in manager Danny Rohl’s squad despite showing signs of promise under Ferguson’s predecessor Philippe Clement. The 19-year old midfielder is set to leave Ibrox in the summer upon the expiration of his contract. English Premier League sides Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace have both expressed an interest.
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