Nothing will beat running out for Rangers when we’re back in the top flight

[Bothwellbear 1,392]

Nothing will beat running out for Rangers when we’re back in the top flight, says Ibrox playmaker Lewis MacLeod

12 Dec 2013 00:01

THE young midfielder is determined to help the Ibrox club secure a return to the big time as he looks to fulfil a lifetime dream.

Lewis Macleod hit the milestone of 50 Rangers matches last weekend

Alan Harvey/SNS Group

LEWIS MACLEOD imagines the moment he runs down the Ibrox tunnel in 19 months’ time to a cacophony of noise.

He can almost feel the atmosphere as the Rangers fans roar their appreciation on returning to the big time as the 2015-16 Premiership season kicks off.

It will be the ultimate dream for the diamond of the Rangers youth academy and he can’t wait to live it.

Other young Scottish players may be seduced by offers from England or abroad but the 19-year-old has only one ambition – to complete the journey of recovery and play in the top flight

with Rangers.

Macleod, who hit the milestone of 50 Rangers matches last weekend, said: “There would be nothing better than playing for Rangers that first year we are back in the Premiership. That would be magnificent.

“I can’t wait for that and also the possibility of playing in Europe. It would be the ultimate for me.

“I know young players left Rangers last year because they believed it was good for their careers but I have no thoughts about doing that.”

Macleod rubs shoulders with the country’s top talent when he is on Scotland Under-21 duty and admits to pangs of jealousy they are either playing in the Premiership or England. He has seen the rise of Andy Robertson at Dundee United, the explosion of Ryan Gauld’s precocious talent and marvelled at the scoring exploits of Stevie May.

However, the teenager will bide his time and savour the moment when as expected Rangers complete three consecutive promotions to get back to familiar surroundings.

He said: “I’m like the odd man out as the rest of the Scotland Under-21 squad are playing at a higher level every week in either the Premiership or England.

“Everyone wants to play at a higher level but I want to do it with

Rangers. Hopefully that day will come and it will be fantastic when it does.

“It’s only 18 or 19 months away, assuming all goes well. Last season flew in for me and I’m sure the next six months will go quickly so we only have a year to go after that.

“I know Andy Robertson. I played against him when he was at Celtic as a young boy.

“He was always a good player. Last year he did well for Queen’s Park but since going to United he has progressed massively and is relishing it.

“Wee Gauldie is something special. He really has something about him and Stevie May is the best finisher I’ve seen. It would be great if the gaffer could maybe bring him to us!”

Macleod, who reached the half century in last week’s 3-0 win over Ayr, is one of the major positives for Rangers out of the horror of last year’s financial meltdown although he was always tipped to make the breakthrough.

He is flourishing in a much stronger side this season who are aiming for 21 consecutive wins at Stenhousemuir on Saturday as they maraud to the League One title.

Macleod said: “I’m delighted with the milestone. I never expected to reach 50 games so quickly.

“It’s only the equivalent of a full season if you take into account I was injured for three months last season.

“The majority of the games have been starts, which I’m proud of. I was on the bench a couple of times last month but I had been playing a few international games and was a bit tired.

“I prefer to play in the middle but Nicky Law and Ian Black are doing so well in there that I don’t have any disagreement.

“I’m happy to play anywhere. Nicky should be fine for the weekend so if I have to move back to the left I will have no problem with that.

“Nicky and Ian are the best combination for the team and that’s what it’s all about.

“I like it a lot better playing in the middle because you can get on the ball more and create. Having said that, when you play with Lee Wallace on the left you can sometimes create more from that area.

“It makes it much easier when you play with better players. You can tell there is a big difference in the way the team is playing this season.”

Rangers struggled to break down Stenhousemuir in October before Jon Daly’s goal edged the Ramsdens Cup semi-final so Macleod is anticipating another test on Saturday.

He said: “The artificial surface is a factor but they were up for it and it took us until late on to get our goal.

“That was a tough match and we don’t expect any different. We’re on a great run and want to keep it going.

“I don’t see why we can’t go the whole season unbeaten. It would be an amazing achievement but we can do it.”

[Blueshoff 11,951]

Wonder how many season books will be sold for 2015/6? I reckon could be a record.

[CalvinC 1,414]

Good lad

[TheBluebells 6,898]

Promising stuff, can't wait to see him doing it either

[StuartM6 279]

“I know young players left Rangers last year because they believed it was good for their careers but I have no thoughts about doing that.”

Music to my ears. Good Lad.

[hammer93 15,113]

I hope he matures in to a big player for us in the premier.

[bornabear 6,221]

Very good young player, very good at expressing himself. I would love to see Lewis run out against the SPL self centred teams.

An exciting player, I wish him well as he advances.

[mearns loyal 2,746]

Tremendous. Living the dream and acting in a manner that should make his family proud of him. I would hope that if any of my kids were fortunate enough to reach his position they would act in the same way. Seems to have his head down and is learning from the wiser heads around him.

[Bothwellbear 1,392]

A player that will only get better. Hopefully more like him will follow and they too will get a chance (please Ally)

[nachothelegend 1,932]

I like his attitude but he needs to keep his Head down and keep working hard.

Doing well is Lewis and is taking the opportunity.

[BEE 4,880]

Amazing the contrast in attitudes between our younger players.

[Courtyard Bear 41,357]

Keeps up the good work he will get his chance at least for one season before we get an offer we can't refuse.

[CalvinC 1,414]

Cracking player, cracking guy.

[Captain Hilts 12,819]

never seen the SPL being called 'the big time' before

good luck to young Lewis though

[Bobby Hume 13,366]

From a lad who is only 19 too, it bodes well for the future. Really good player, and hopefully, he keeps this attitude up as he progresses in his hopefully long and illustrious career with us. Could do with a few more like him getting introduced to the team as we climb the ladder to the top again. Good on you Lewis and good luck.

[elephants stoned 2,994]

Great attitude Lewis this kid could be the best Scottish player since the 70s if he keeps progressing

[TEFTONG 60,462]

Excellent Player with a cracking True Blue attitude. Keep it up young Lewis.