Derek Ferguson has not been surprised to see Cole McKinnon thrown into Rangers first team action by Philippe Clement this season.
The 21-year-old made surprise back-to-back substitute appearances for the Light Blues away at Benfica and Hibs in the Europa League and Scottish Cup respectively last month while the Belgian was dealing with the latest major injury crisis, having not been spotted in the senior side since last season.
But ex-Ibrox midfielder Ferguson doesn’t expect to see a great deal more from the youngster this term despite his ability, with too much quality ahead of him in the squad at his position.
“I’m not surprised that he’s been in the squad because he’s got that quality,” he exclusively told Ibrox News.
“But in terms of first-team action I’m not so sure. I think there’s a little bit too much quality ahead of him in that department.
“But what it does is keeps the other guys on their toes, they’ve got to keep performing, so it’s nice if you’ve got the youngsters breathing down their necks.
“He’s a quality kid and he’s got a big future in the game but I can see why some of his first-team games have been curtailed a little bit.”
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McKinnon’s breakthrough under Clement arrived at a time when players were dropping like flies but it seemed as if whoever stepped in was able to perform admirably.
The situation has changed for the worse in recent weeks as results have suffered and the advantage in the title race has been handed back to Celtic.
John Lundstram and Tom Lawrence are two who have been below par in recent weeks, to leave some fans likely wishing that alternatives like McKinnon might get a look in again.
But hugely-encouraging performances from the likes of Mohamed Diomande and Todd Cantwell helped address the slide in the much-needed win over Hearts, so with two trophies still on the line, just, it would probably be a surprise if Clement looked to junior options again until the summer.
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