Hutton: Fringe men can cut it for Rangers

[Bothwellbear 1,392]

Hutton: Fringe men can cut it for Rangers

KYLE Hutton insists Rangers can cope if their walking wounded fail to recover in time for tomorrow's Ramsdens Cup final.

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Kyle Hutton got much-needed match fitness against Arbroath

Ally McCoist is sweating over Ian Black, Jon Daly, Nicky Law, Andy Little and David Templeton for the game against Raith Rovers.

It looks almost certain that forward duo Little and Templeton will not make the squad for the match at Easter Road.

However, hopes are high that experienced first-team players Black, Daly and Law will be passed fit to play for the SPFL League One winners.

But Hutton, who has just returned to action after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, is confident the Light Blues have the strength- in-depth to handle the situation.

The midfielder featured in the 2-1 win over Arbroath at Gayfield last weekend along with fellow-fringe players Robbie Crawford, Seb Faure, Calum Gallagher and Arnold Peralta.

And he believes all of them can help Rangers to cup success in front of a sell-out crowd in the capital if they need to be called upon by their manager.

Hutton said: "It will obviously be a blow for us if any of our players are ruled out of the Ramsdens Cup final due to injury.

"But we have got a big squad of quality players and I am sure that we are more than capable of dealing with the situation.

"We have got Nicky Clark, who has just come back into the team after injury. He is playing well and scoring goals for the team and would pose a threat.

"Robbie (Crawford), wee Arnold (Peralta) and myself came in against Arbroath last weekend and got some much-needed match fitness.

"We haven't played that much this season so it was good to get a run-out and help the team to win the game. I am sure that will help us a great deal.

"It was good getting a full game under our belts at the weekend. It will help us if any of us get the nod to play in the cup final.

"Hopefully all of the boys who are battling to be fit will be fine, but if they are not then we will be ready to play against Raith Rovers.

"We have got a big squad at Rangers and it is to deal with situations like this where we pick up injuries or suspensions. We will be ready."

Hutton formed a new-look central midfield partnership with Crawford against Arbroath last weekend in the absence of both Black and Law.

He enjoyed playing alongside his fellow-Murray Park youth graduate and is confident they could link up well against Championship rivals Raith if required.

Hutton said: "I hadn't played with Robbie before in that area of the park, but he is such a good player that it was no problem whatsoever.

"He understands the game well despite his young age and reads the game well. I have no doubt he would handle the occasion if he is given the nod to play."

[AlBear. 8,499]

We could have a starting 11 containing 4 Rangers youth graduates under 23 for a cup final. But aye, youth disnae get a chance. Injuries would play a part yes, but it clearly shows the youth are being trusted and developed.

[STEPPS BOY 73,906]

We could have a pandemic and I still wouldn't start Kyle Hutton..

[Dutchy 1,200]

Well Peralta can't help because I think he's suspended for this one. Love to see Gallagher get a run out at some point.

[Loyal-Bear 229]

We could have a starting 11 containing 4 Rangers youth graduates under 23 for a cup final. But aye, youth disnae get a chance. Injuries would play a part yes, but it clearly shows the youth are being trusted and developed.

Youth would not be trusted if we had all senior players fit. Mccoist would rather play a senior player out of position than a youth in his natural position. Has been shown in his tenure so far not just a one off because off injuries and will be forced to field youth.

[1st_Jan_1994 4,868]

They should in theory but in reality they proved at Forfar in the league cup and most of last season that they can't

[legalbeagle 3,734]

Youth would not be trusted if we had all senior players fit. Mccoist would rather play a senior player out of position than a youth in his natural position. Has been shown in his tenure so far not just a one off because off injuries and will be forced to field youth.

So how does Aird, Macleod or Gallagher ever get a game? Including when we have had Peralta, Smith, and even Templeton on the bench?

[left winger 14,166]

Youth would not be trusted if we had all senior players fit. Mccoist would rather play a senior player out of position than a youth in his natural position. Has been shown in his tenure so far not just a one off because off injuries and will be forced to field youth.

He's simply following the example Walter set.

[simplythebest 11,453]

We could have a starting 11 containing 4 Rangers youth graduates under 23 for a cup final. But aye, youth disnae get a chance. Injuries would play a part yes, but it clearly shows the youth are being trusted and developed.

In fairness some of them just haven't looked good enough

[Getstiffed 8,863]

So how does Aird, Macleod or Gallagher ever get a game? Including when we have had Peralta, Smith, and even Templeton on the bench?

Peralta was jammed in at RM for the first third of the season. Smith is a left back and our other LB is not a youth players so fuck knows how that applies. And Aird has started regularly all season. Templeton has been injured more often than not, so another strange example.

You don't bring in guys like Foster and Smith if your intention is to give youth a fair crack at it.

Macleod is the only one you could seriously argue has had a good shot at first team football and still hope to maintain some credibility.