I broke into Rangers team beside Fergie and Albertz – now I’m hearing something from Clement that makes me very happy
It’s not easy for a kid to break into Rangers’ first-team. And no one knows that better than Barry Nicholson.
When he attempted it almost 30 years ago, he was competing with club legends Barry Ferguson, Jorg Albertz and Gio van Bronckhorst. It might not be quite as tough now. And maybe that’s why Nicholson hopes the current crop of Ibrox youngsters can make the grade under Philippe Clement.
The Belgian has vowed to give youth a chance due to a lack of finance, with the likes of Bailey Rice, Findlay Curtis and Clinton Nsiala staking a claim. Queen’s Park assistant boss Nicholson – who will be in the away dugout at Ibrox today for their Scottish Cup tie –knows what they’re going through having come through the ranks under Walter Smith then Dick Advocaat. He didn’t manage to become a first-team regular. But he’s adamant that if the Gers youngsters are good enough for Clement’s side they should be given an opportunity to shine.
As long as they don’t impress too much against the Spiders this afternoon. Nicholson, who is Callum Davidson’s right-hand man, said: “It was so difficult for me and it’s still difficult now. I know there has been a clamour for Rangers to give the young ones more of a chance. Obviously, the manager has said they have to earn that right. But the academy at Rangers needs to be bringing through more players
“Timing-wise, maybe this is their opportunity. It hasn’t really been a club that’s done that. And from my own personal experience I know how tough it is. So it’s nice to hear it. It will be beneficial for Rangers as a club and for Scottish football as a whole. In young players like Rice, Curtis and Nsiala, there’s talent there.
“These boys have to be patient and be put in at the right time so they stay there instead of just doing well for a few games then no one sees them again.
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