Rangers player fast-tracked into Scotland Under-21 squad as 'talented boy' lauded by manager
Rangers loanee fast-tracked into Scotland youth side
Rangers’ 16-year old prospect Kyle Glasgow has been called up to the Scotland National Under-21 side by new manager Tony Docherty, who described the winger as ‘talented’.
The youngster is currently learning the ropes at SPFL League One side Alloa Athletic on a co-operation loan agreement - allowing him to move freely between the Wasps and his parent club. With three goals in 10 games for Glasgow, so far the move is paying dividends.
Docherty took over as Under-21s boss from Scot Gemmill last month and will be assisted by former Light Blues forward Steven Naismith. As the pair bring the new Scots into a new era, Docherty believes Glasgow epitomises the success of the cooperation loan agreement scheme, introduced by the SFA last year. Scotland will face Bulgaria and Azerbaijan during the international break.
Docherty on Glasgow’s inclusion
The former Dundee and Ross County gaffer said (via Glasgow Times): “Kyle’s a really good example of how the co-operation loans have worked. We are very much getting after the Premiership in terms of getting more under-21 players minutes. But we need to give real credit to the co-operation loans that are working at the Championship level and underneath.
“It’s important for young players that show that high potential to then go out and get minutes in a competitive environment in men’s football. That’s what he’s doing. I’ve seen him a couple of times and he’s dealing with real football. He’s honed his skills in the development phase and he’s a really talented boy.”
Glasgow part of new era of Scottish football
Glasgow has already represented Scotland at Under-15 and Under-17 level, but featured for Portugal at Under-16 level - the country of his mother’s birth. With Scotland now ready for a new era in the senior team as well with Belgian boss Sebastian Pocognoli taking over from Steve Clarke, Docherty is keen to work alongside the new gaffer to help provide a National Team for the future.
He added: “I'll mirror image what the style of play, what the philosophy is. We can enhance Sebastien's squad with the development of young players, identifying the best ones, improving them and developing them but as we do that, we need to create, in my opinion, that winning team mentality. We'll be all out to play an attacking style of football, which is attractive to watch and pleasing on the eye."
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