disgruntled_bear 157 Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 GEORGIOS Efrem today praised head coach Billy Kirkwood for masterminding the all-conquering Rangers youth team's impressive double Double. The Cypriot front man was a key member of the under-19 side which beat Celtic 3-1 in a thrilling SFA Youth Cup Final at Hampden. A last-minute John Fleck wonder goal forced extra-time in a final the Hoops looked destined to win with a Cillian Sheridan goal. Sub Andy Little put the Gers in front with a cute back heel and then Fleck struck in the dying seconds to complete a remarkable comeback. Ex-Arsenal kid Efrem, who will step up into the reserves at Murray Park in the summer, reckons former Dundee United manager Kirkwood has to take the credit. The 18-year-old explained: "I have only been here a season, but it has been a brilliant experience. To win the league and cup was wonderful. "Billy Kirkwood has been fantastic for me personally. He is constantly giving me hints and tips and I feel I have certainly improved. "He gave us a bit of a talking to at half-time in the final, too. He felt we had started well, but had eased off and he wanted us to lift it a bit. In the end, we got the result. "I am leaving the youths for the reserves next season. Hopefully with the grounding I have got I can progress as a player." The lightning-fast front man, who can play on either wing, has already featured on the bench for Walter Smith's side and has been tipped to break through soon. He says several of the side which has landed the league and cup double for the second season running can go on and make a name for themselves. "I think the boys who have played this season and last have shown we are capable of winning trophies and competing." Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueben_d 40 Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 GEORGIOS Efrem today praised head coach Billy Kirkwood for masterminding the all-conquering Rangers youth team's impressive double Double. The Cypriot front man was a key member of the under-19 side which beat Celtic 3-1 in a thrilling SFA Youth Cup Final at Hampden. A last-minute John Fleck wonder goal forced extra-time in a final the Hoops looked destined to win with a Cillian Sheridan goal. Sub Andy Little put the Gers in front with a cute back heel and then Fleck struck in the dying seconds to complete a remarkable comeback. Ex-Arsenal kid Efrem, who will step up into the reserves at Murray Park in the summer, reckons former Dundee United manager Kirkwood has to take the credit. The 18-year-old explained: "I have only been here a season, but it has been a brilliant experience. To win the league and cup was wonderful. "Billy Kirkwood has been fantastic for me personally. He is constantly giving me hints and tips and I feel I have certainly improved. "He gave us a bit of a talking to at half-time in the final, too. He felt we had started well, but had eased off and he wanted us to lift it a bit. In the end, we got the result. "I am leaving the youths for the reserves next season. Hopefully with the grounding I have got I can progress as a player." The lightning-fast front man, who can play on either wing, has already featured on the bench for Walter Smith's side and has been tipped to break through soon. He says several of the side which has landed the league and cup double for the second season running can go on and make a name for themselves. "I think the boys who have played this season and last have shown we are capable of winning trophies and competing." That's the impression I got from watching the cup final, him and fleck in particular impressed me Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wronglypenalised 14 Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 GEORGIOS Efrem today praised head coach Billy Kirkwood for masterminding the all-conquering Rangers youth team's impressive double Double. The Cypriot front man was a key member of the under-19 side which beat Celtic 3-1 in a thrilling SFA Youth Cup Final at Hampden. A last-minute John Fleck wonder goal forced extra-time in a final the Hoops looked destined to win with a Cillian Sheridan goal. Sub Andy Little put the Gers in front with a cute back heel and then Fleck struck in the dying seconds to complete a remarkable comeback. Ex-Arsenal kid Efrem, who will step up into the reserves at Murray Park in the summer, reckons former Dundee United manager Kirkwood has to take the credit. The 18-year-old explained: "I have only been here a season, but it has been a brilliant experience. To win the league and cup was wonderful. "Billy Kirkwood has been fantastic for me personally. He is constantly giving me hints and tips and I feel I have certainly improved. "He gave us a bit of a talking to at half-time in the final, too. He felt we had started well, but had eased off and he wanted us to lift it a bit. In the end, we got the result. "I am leaving the youths for the reserves next season. Hopefully with the grounding I have got I can progress as a player." The lightning-fast front man, who can play on either wing, has already featured on the bench for Walter Smith's side and has been tipped to break through soon. He says several of the side which has landed the league and cup double for the second season running can go on and make a name for themselves. "I think the boys who have played this season and last have shown we are capable of winning trophies and competing." Great to hear from the lad and I can't wait to see him debut for the first team in 4 1/2 years ! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimenez 1 Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 When you look at the amount of talented youngsters we have at our disposal at every age level, it's a reassuring feeling for the future of our club. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nvager 498 Posted April 26, 2008 Share Posted April 26, 2008 Yes, I agree, but how many will actually get to play in the first team? Walter is not for playing youths it would seem. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnGalbraith 0 Posted April 26, 2008 Share Posted April 26, 2008 When you look at the amount of talented youngsters we have at our disposal at every age level, it's a reassuring feeling for the future of our club. How many of them will come close to getting a game though? Probably none - which is sad. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnGalbraith 0 Posted April 26, 2008 Share Posted April 26, 2008 Sorry NVAGER - didnt see your post above. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thermopylae 15,288 Posted April 26, 2008 Share Posted April 26, 2008 He really did look a standout in the game (and not just because of his orange boots ). Hopefully if we get the desired result on Sunday some of the under 19s can get a run out and much needed first team experience Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark_ni 12 Posted April 26, 2008 Share Posted April 26, 2008 Yes, I agree, but how many will actually get to play in the first team? Walter is not for playing youths it would seem. think that depends on sundays result. If we beat celtic i can see a few of the youngsters getting a chance in some of the 4 games we have to play in 8 days! I think effrem fleck and furman probably have the best chance of getting a game before the end of the season. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonaldC 0 Posted April 26, 2008 Share Posted April 26, 2008 Do we really need a new topic everyday about how "Walter doesn't play youngsters"...? It's getting pretty boring. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnGalbraith 0 Posted April 26, 2008 Share Posted April 26, 2008 Do we really need a new topic everyday about how "Walter doesn't play youngsters"...? It's getting pretty boring. Its a topic about Effrem mate. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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