European action next season will come with UEFA demands which may force Rangers and Celtic into the transfer market on a specific hunt.
Both are vying for an automatic Champions League spot ahead of next season’s revamped Swiss-style tournament, with first place in the Premiership the gateway. If they are to compete in Europe, both clubs must carry a quota of homegrown Scottish talents, either from their own academy or who have been developed in Scotland.
Rangers left senior stars like Leon Balogun out of their group for this season’s Europa League campaign as they wrangled with these requirements, and transfer market moves may be needed to take this headache away.
While ready-made options are not plentiful in the youth category, we have looked at 17 Scottish stars under 23 who would fit the bill for Rangers and Celtic.
How doable deals would be is another question, but it shows the type of options that are out there if they want to look to the future while solving an option in the here and now. Here’s our list, with stars from the likes of Leeds United and Liverpool on the agenda.
13. Calvin Ramsay (RB)
Injury has hampered Liverpool spell and a move back up the road could suit him. Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth
14. Marc Leonard (CM)
Off the back of an impressive season at Northampton Town with Championship teams keen on the Hearts academy graduate. | Getty Images
15. Ethan Erhahon (CM)
Impressive domestically with St Mirren and earned him a shot at Lincoln. Ever-present in League One and harbours dreams of moving for Scotland. Would be a good option for domestic clashes with a chance of building up European experience. Photo: Pete Norton
16. Rory Wilson (ST)
File it under unlikely. But having been prolific at youth level, if Rangers needed a homegrown talent to help meet quota, they could do worse than a punt on one of their academy prospects now at Aston Villa. A loan most likely, however. Photo: Seffi Magriso - SNS Group / SFA