Rohl to scout Rangers 'huge talent' youngster as Ibrox chiefs plan to make him star
Rangers boss Danny Rohl is ready to take a closer look at a rising star from Ibrox who the club's bosses believe is destined for a bright future in Glasgow.
Rangers are out of contention for the title but could face a tough Celtic
Celtic Park on Sunday lunchtime, with the Scottish Premiership title race reaching a critical juncture.
Rohl's Rangers arrive bottom of the east side of Glasgow knowing that anything but three points effectively ends their title hopes, and the pressure is on.
Rangers were unbeaten in 16 league games before the start of the relegation campaign, but back-to-back defeats to Motherwell and Hearts left them miles behind leaders Hearts with three games remaining.
A win on Sunday keeps hope alive, but Rangers will still need Hearts to drop a few points from their remaining games to have a chance, and defeat will prevent them from finishing third in the Premiership from 2018.
Celtic inspiration was created differently.
The feeling of the heart makes the desire to transfer clear between the great interest of Celtic and Rangers
'He is one of the brightest young talents in Scottish football'.
Martin O'Neill has guided the Hoops to four league wins in a row, but Celtic are also chasing hearts and need to beat the Gers to keep the pressure on.
A win here keeps the title dream alive. Defeat, and the momentum behind the hearts becomes almost impossible to stop.
Rohl spoke confidently about the build-up to the game.
“It's a special game for us,” he said.
“No one needs more motivation to come into this game. We want to make our fans and supporters proud and that means we have to do our job on Sunday.”
A good record gives encouragement to the Rangers.
They are unbeaten in their last six Old Firm Premiership games, including three wins and three draws, and have won on both of their league visits to Celtic Park.
Away from the drama of the title race, Rangers are quietly moving forward with summer planning, and one name that has caught Rohl's attention is already on their books.
The Guardians made a plan for Findlay Curtis after Kilmarnock's plan
According to Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke, youngster Findley Curtis will be tested by Rohl in pre-season after returning to Ibrox on loan from Kilmarnock.
The Ibrox boss plan to make Curtis, who enjoyed a productive season at Killie, a long-term mainstay, but before any decisions are made on his future, the Gers' transfer business will play a major role.
The 'hugely talented' 19-year-old has impressed on loan, making 21 appearances and contributing three goals alongside impressive numbers that compare favorably with others in his age bracket.
His 1.53 successful dribbles per 90 chances and 1.26 created per 90 chances during his Kilmarnock stint convinced the coaching staff that the potential is there.
The problem is one of technique and not ability.
Rangers are expected to bring in attacking reinforcements this summer, and those arrivals will push Curtis down the pecking order at Ibrox.
Another loan is off the table if regular first-team minutes cannot be guaranteed.
Ironically, however, Rangers have no intention of letting Curtis leave permanently – the long-term plan is for him to develop into a star at the club, and Rohl wants a full picture of his attacking options before making any decision.
That assessment begins before the season.
First, there is Sunday to take care of.
Curtis' future can wait, but three points at Celtic Park cannot.
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