Rangers are currently in the midst of a significant reset, a much-needed overhaul that seems to be a long time coming, particularly in the wake of the club’s financial crisis in 2012. For many years, the focus has been on bringing in high-profile signings and bolstering the squad with experienced players to challenge for silverware. However, Philippe Clement, entrusted with the responsibility of spearheading this rebuild, is wisely turning his attention towards an often-overlooked but critical component of the club’s future: the youth academy. This shift towards homegrown talent, which should have been a priority back in 2012, is now becoming central to Rangers’ approach as they look to build a squad that is both sustainable and competitive in the long term.

A key part of this strategy is to integrate more youth players into the first team, providing them with the opportunity to grow and develop under the spotlight of Rangers’ high expectations. One of the brightest prospects emerging from this new focus on youth is Bailey Rice, a product of Rangers’ own Auchenhowie academy. After a rocky start under Clement, Rice has now become a key figure in the club’s midfield, earning trust from both his manager and senior players. His performances have drawn praise, most notably from Ianis Hagi, who has highlighted the young midfielder’s potential and mentality.

Hagi, who himself has experience playing at top clubs and in high-pressure environments, recognizes the unique challenge of playing for Rangers, especially at Ibrox. He noted that performing at a club like Rangers is akin to playing at Old Trafford in terms of the pressure to win every week. For a young player like Rice to not only adapt but also thrive in such an environment speaks volumes about his character and ability. Hagi’s words underscore the challenges that come with playing for a club with such lofty expectations—there is no room for complacency, and every match feels like a must-win affair. Despite this, Rice has shown that he possesses the mental fortitude to succeed, and Hagi believes that his future is incredibly bright.

One of the most encouraging aspects of Rice’s development is his attitude towards learning. Hagi has pointed out that Rice is not just talented but also highly receptive to advice, demonstrating a willingness to soak in as much knowledge as possible from his more experienced teammates. This openness to learning is essential for any young player looking to carve out a successful career at a club of Rangers’ stature, where the demands on and off the pitch are enormous. The willingness to listen, to take on board feedback, and to continuously strive for improvement will be critical in ensuring that Rice can fulfill his potential and become a key player for Rangers in the future.

It’s also worth noting that this emphasis on youth is not limited to just Bailey Rice. Other young talents, such as Findlay Curtis and Zak Lovelace, have been given opportunities to play for the first team under Clement. This shows a clear shift in philosophy at the club, with a recognition that the academy can and should be a vital source of talent for the senior squad. The performances of Rice, Curtis, and Lovelace have demonstrated that young players can handle the pressures of playing for a club like Rangers. These players have not looked out of place in the senior squad, and their ability to rise to the occasion only strengthens the case for relying more heavily on the youth pipeline.

The integration of youth players into the first team is, of course, a necessity to some extent. Rangers are undergoing a major squad rebuild, and with that comes the need to develop players who can eventually take the place of experienced signings who may no longer be as effective or as reliable. This is where players like Rice, Curtis, and Lovelace come into the picture. Signing experienced players is all well and good, but they may not always understand the full weight of the expectations placed upon them at a club like Rangers. The academy, on the other hand, instills a mentality of winning and accountability from an early age. For academy graduates, every game is a must-win, and there are no “bounce” games or matches where a draw is acceptable. This mentality is something that can’t be taught to players who come from outside the club; it has to be ingrained through years of development.

Rice, in particular, has already shown that he is capable of handling this pressure. Having been a standout player at age group level, he now finds himself in the spotlight as a first-team regular, and his recent performances have been impressive. At just a young age, he has already made a notable impact, including during the club’s trip to Old Trafford, where he demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level. This is the kind of composure and quality that Rangers will need as they rebuild, and it’s clear that Rice has the potential to become a central figure in the club’s future.

Another key player to watch is Lennon Miller, another standout talent from the academy who has been attracting significant interest from top clubs. If Rice can continue to develop and maintain his form, he could follow in Miller’s footsteps and garner similar attention. Miller, who is already being courted with multi-million-pound bids, is a testament to the quality of the academy and the kind of talent it is producing. With players like Rice and Miller in the pipeline, Rangers could have a future midfield partnership that is not only exciting but also incredibly valuable.

In conclusion, Rangers are on the right track by focusing more on youth development as part of their rebuild. While it may have taken longer than expected for the club to fully embrace this strategy, the integration of players like Bailey Rice into the first team shows that the academy can be trusted to produce players who are capable of performing at the highest level. As these young talents continue to grow and develop, they will play an increasingly important role in the club’s future success. With the right guidance and support from experienced players like Hagi, as well as the opportunity to learn and improve, the likes of Rice, Curtis, Lovelace, and Miller could become the cornerstone of Rangers’ next great team. The future looks bright for Rangers if they continue to trust in their youth system and give these players the chance to shine.