Rangers’ Rising Stars: Ferguson, Curtis & Rice’s Journey
Barry Ferguson, a former Rangers captain, has been closely following the journey of two emerging talents in the Rangers first-team this season – Bailey Rice and Findlay Curtis. Both youngsters, aged 18, have been making strides in Philippe Clement’s squad, eager to secure their spot in the long-term plans of the club.
Rice, who made his debut in 2023, faced initial challenges in securing more playing time but recently impressed with a 45-minute appearance at Old Trafford during a crucial Europa League match against Manchester United. Since then, he has been consistently training with the senior squad under Clement’s watchful eye.
Similarly, Curtis, also 18, caught the attention of fans and critics alike with his debut against the English Premier League giants shortly after his first appearance in the Scottish Cup. His involvement in key matches has drawn praise and raised expectations for his future performances.
Ferguson, in his insightful Daily Record column, reflected on his own early struggles and impatience as a young player at Ibrox. He emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities rather than waiting for them to come by, a mindset that shaped his successful career at Rangers. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Ally McCoist and Richard Gough, Ferguson highlighted the significance of preparation, persistence, and unwavering determination.
Transitioning to a new era under Dick Advocaat in 1998, Ferguson saw it as a chance to solidify his position within a star-studded squad, competing alongside talented players like Jorg Albertz and Giovanni van Bronckhorst. His relentless drive to excel and refusal to relinquish his spot paved the way for a memorable career at Rangers.
Looking ahead, Ferguson sees a similar opportunity for young talents like Bailey Rice and Findlay Curtis to follow in his footsteps. He believes that the current squad restructuring and the departure of established players present a window of opportunity for emerging stars to shine.
As Ferguson eloquently puts it, “The next four or five months can be the making of them as Rangers players.” He specifically mentions Clinton Nsiala, Hamza Igamane, and Lennon Miller as promising talents who have what it takes to thrive in the Rangers setup. Rice, in particular, captures Ferguson’s imagination with his potential as a dynamic midfielder.
Reflecting on his own journey, Ferguson empathizes with Rice’s potential frustrations of sporadic first-team opportunities but encourages him to seize the moment. With the recent transfers of key players like Kieran Dowell and Rabbi Matondo, the door is wide open for Rice and Curtis to stake their claim in the starting lineup.
Ferguson’s advice to the young midfield maestro is clear – embrace the competition, show your worth, and fight for your place in the team. The changing landscape of the squad, with a focus on youth and talent development, offers a unique chance for these rising stars to leave a lasting impact at Rangers.
As Ferguson looks back on his own career-defining moments, he urges Rice, Curtis, and other budding talents to give their all on the pitch. The opportunity to make a name for themselves as Rangers players is within reach, and it’s up to them to grasp it with both hands and write their own chapter in the storied history of the club.
