Success at Rangers has always been built on more than just trophies, it’s been built on identity. The greatest sides in our history weren’t just filled with talent; they were defined by a strong core of young, hungry Scottish players who understood what it meant to wear the badge.
From the nine-in-a-row side to Alex McLeish’s treble winners, a good balance of international talent and Scottish grit has always been a trademark of a successful Rangers side.
Over the past decade, that foundation has crumbled. A conveyor belt of failed journeymen from the English Championship, disinterested foreign imports, short-term fixes and disconnected squads has seen us lose sight of our roots, and with it, our consistency.
Now, as a new era begins under fresh leadership, one thing is clear: it’s time to get back to basics. It’s time to build a Rangers team with a Scottish heartbeat that can impact on the fringes now and grow to be leaders in our dressing room.
We've already missed out on several standout prospects. Lewis Ferguson has become a star in Serie A. Josh Doig is attracting major interest after performing well in Italy.
Lennon Miller is widely tipped to be Scotland’s next big-money export and even Kilmarnock’s young forward Bobby Wales has departed for England in recent weeks. These were players we should have moved for but didn’t.
So, who’s left? Who in the current SPFL Premiership fits the mould of a future Rangers player? Who can help us re-establish that long-lost national identity?
Here are seven players we believe should be on the radar at Ibrox this summer.
David Watson (Kilmarnock)
Arguably the most ready-made option on this list. Watson was at the heart of Kilmarnock’s outstanding 2023/24 campaign, anchoring their midfield with grit and maturity beyond his years. Tenacious in the tackle, calm in possession, a vocal leader and has already scored against Celtic, he has all the tools to step up to the demands of Rangers.
At 20 he is entering his prime years, it's time to make the move, he is ready and certainly able.
James Wilson (Hearts)
Still just 18 but already drawing attention for his physical presence and natural goalscoring instincts. Hearts have built a strong academy pipeline, something we have failed to match, and Wilson might be the jewel in the crown.
He is already a Hearts regular and became the youngest man to play for Scotland at the age of 18 years, 17 days last year when he played against Greece and bagged six Premiership goals last term.
He’s not a signing who will be an instant starter, but Rangers should be proactive before his value skyrockets.
Fletcher Boyd (Aberdeen)
A technical midfielder with excellent vision and a low centre of gravity, Boyd impressed in youth setups and has begun making the transition to senior football. At just 17 Aberdeen know they’ve got something special on their hands, and he has already scored Premiership goals.
A player to invest in now for the future, before English scouts come circling.
Evan Mooney (St Mirren)
One of the most exciting wide talents in the league, Mooney brings pace, flair and confidence, traits we’ve lacked in our attacking play.
At only 17 he is still very raw, but the kind of explosive talent that could thrive in a high-tempo Rangers side. Think Ross McCausland with more end product and a bigger upside.
He is another for down the line but like Boyd has already opened his Premiership goal account.
Adam Forrester (Hearts)
A modern right-back with real potential. Forrester has a strong engine, delivers quality balls into the box, and shows maturity in his positional play.
Still developing at 20, he’s calm under pressure and has the attacking instincts to suit a possession-based Rangers side.
Like Wilson, Forrester became a Jambos regular last season. With Max Aarons already recruited to offer competition to captain James Tavernier and Dujon Sterling we are stacked in his position. A loan back to Tynecastle until the end of Tavernier’s deal in the summer could be ideal for all parties.
Kieran Bowie (Hibernian)
Back in Scotland aged 22, after a stint down south with Fulham following his breakthrough with Raith Rovers as a teenager, Bowie brings versatility and aggression.
Capable through the middle or out wide, he’s a direct runner with a point to prove, and at 22, his best years are ahead of him.
A good season with Hibs where he netted six in 18 has seen him make his Scotland debut. He would be a useful backup option up top with room to develop. Think Steven Naismith when he first arrived from Kilmarnock in 2007.
Josh Mulligan (Dundee)
Reliable, hardworking, and adaptable, Mulligan has quietly become one of Dundee’s most consistent performers. Comfortable at full-back or in midfield, he offers the kind of honest shift Rangers fans appreciate.
Not flashy, but dependable, and that has value, look how much use we got out of Kirk Broadfoot back in the day.
However, with three options at right back already at the club, Mulligan may be lured elsewhere to a club with an opening in that area as at 22 he needs to be playing regularly.
The Scottish core isn’t just romanticism, it’s practical. These players understand the intensity of the fixture list, the ferocity of the Old Firm, and the weight of expectation.
We’ve let too many slip through our fingers. In this new chapter, Rangers must be bolder, quicker, and more decisive.
The next great Rangers side must reflect our past, and that starts by backing Scottish talent for the future.