Rangers 'opportunities' pushed star towards clear Ibrox decision as Light Blues trio play key roles after transfer move
The Rangers academy prospect was formally on the books of Brighton and Hove Albion.
Rangers winger Zebedee Lawson feels vindicated in his choice to move to Ibrox in the summer having already had a chance in the first team.
In a move which David Weir had a key role in, after impressing on the South coast, Lawson made the switch from Brighton to Rangers despite interest from other clubs. The 17-year old said the reason he made the transfer is because he seen a pathway into the Rangers first team from the academy. Despite this, as Lawson was brought on as a substitute in Rangers’ 5-0 Scottish Cup victory over Annan Athletic last month, even he didn’t expect to be thrust into first team action so soon. The Englishman was a late call up to the bench after Oliver Antman withdrew from the squad through illness and didn’t look out of place during his 40 minutes on the pitch.
At the time, under-19 coach Liam Ross was delighted to see Danny Rohl giving some young prospects a taste of first team football, showing that the manager values the work being done at Rangers youth level. Lawson says his surprise inclusion against Annan makes him feel like he made the right choice coming to Govan. He also name-checked three first team stars who’ve helped him ‘settle’ in to the squad.
Ibrox trio play key role in youngster’s development
Speaking to the Rangers Youth Development Company (RYDC), Lawson said: “During the summer a couple of clubs came in but Rangers was the one where I thought, yeah, I’ll get the most first-team opportunities out of and it’s already happened. I got a good feeling about Rangers right away.
“I remember coming to visit around June and I loved the place. I think I’ve settled in well and everyone around me has been supportive and friendly. When I joined I just made sure I stayed the same person. I kept being myself then people naturally gravitated towards me and I think it just helped me with everything.
“There are a few English boys in the first-team like Mikey Moore, Jayden Meghoma and Manny Fernandez and they’ve helped me settle too. I knew a fair bit about the club before I moved here, the Old Firm is one of the biggest derbies in football so I knew how big the club was. There are great facilities here and it’s a great place for my development.”
Rangers debut ‘a proud moment’ for Lawson
Lawson was surprised to be on the bench full stop against Annan, never mind playing near enough the whole second half after being subbed on for Meghoma, however he was pleased with his performance in front 40,000 fans in Govan.
He continued: “The players were all encouraging me and before the Annan game the coaches were just telling me to make sure I play my football. Obviously, Ibrox is a massive stadium and very loud but you just need to make sure you don’t fold under the pressure and gladly I think I did that.
“I came on sooner than I thought I would, around the 50th minute, and I was just so gassed when I ran on. I was so happy and the first time I received the ball I knew that this was for me. I think I could have scored too, their keeper has made a good save. My family were there to see my debut and that was a proud moment for them. They were all happy with my performance and I was happy too.”