Sinclair wants Rangers youngsters to thrive

25 March 2011 09:30

Rangers youth boss Jim Sinclair praised the youngsters who have made the breakthrough to the first team this season - then challenged them to show they are good enough to stay there.

Murray Park graduates - such as Jamie Ness, Gregg Wylde and Kyle Hutton - have all impressed since being handed their big breaks by Walter Smith. But Sinclair insists they cannot afford to rest on their laurels if they want to go on and have long and successful careers with the Scottish champions.

The youth academy director said: "The relatively easy bit has been to get them into the first team and get the opportunity. The hard part is now when they have to stay there and consistently produce the performances that they have been doing."

He added: "While we are really delighted about where they are, they have to keep their feet firmly on the ground and keep working hard to ensure that they stay in the manager's plans, not only this season but the next and beyond."

Lack of funds, combined with a small compact squad that has been hit by injuries, means Smith has been forced to give youth a chance and those youngsters have repaid him.

Sinclair added: "There has been an almost seamless transition for them, which is great.

"However big or small a part we've had to play, they have stood up and been counted and that has been very pleasing.

"I know the circumstances around the club are such that the manager's hand has been forced to a degree.

"But the bottom line is that, when they have been asked to play, they have done it and they haven't let themselves or the first team or the youth department down. That has been very heartening."

Source: PA