Rangers manager Philippe Clement said that the team could have to acquire Scottish players in order to meet their European quota, but that money might also be required for “other things.”The manager of the Light Blues gave academy product Cole McKinnon greater playing time as his team defeated Hibs 2-0 in the Scottish Cup quarterfinal. After goals from Fabio Silva and John Lundstram sealed the victory, focus is now on Europe.
They are up 2-2 in their Europa League last 16 matchup with Benfica as they play their second leg at Ibrox. While praising McKinnon, Clement acknowledges that certain Rangers players have missed out on playing in Europe because the organization hasn’t had enough homegrown players.If they can’t be developed at Auchenhowie, he acknowledges that some could need to be bought, but Clement gave a playful hint that money might be moving elsewhere. The player from Belgium stated: “I am very positive about Cole otherwise you do not given him minutes against Benfica, otherwise you do not come in today also.”Although he is still a young boy, he has demonstrated a really high work ethic and approach in training, and he has been improving each month, which is encouraging. My goal is to try and win every game—that’s why it’s crucial. However, it’s equally critical to me to nurture young players, provide them opportunities, and watch them improve.”Young Scottish players should be given opportunities and allowed to develop if Scottish football is to succeed. We should investigate that for our European team as we were missing a number of players because there weren’t enough Scottish players on the roster or because we might have to purchase them with money we could use for other purposes.”One of my goals is to graduate players from the academy who have the potential to play in the Rangers first team. Alternatively, we must develop them ourselves over the course of the next few years.”
