Rangers youngster Ashton Scally has provided a positive update on his recovery from injury after making his second appearance since returning to action.
The 16-year-old featured for Rangers youth team in their dramatic Scottish Youth Cup victory over Dundee United on Friday night, playing another hour as the Light Blues eventually progressed on penalties.
Scally had missed the entirety of Rangers' pre-season under Derek McInnes after suffering an injury just days after making his first-team debut against Falkirk on the final day of last season under former head coach Danny Rohl.
His return to action came in the KDM Evolution Trophy defeat to Peterhead, before he followed that up with his second appearance against Dundee United’s youth side.
Scally delighted to be back
Speaking after the Cup victory, Scally admitted it had been a difficult period both mentally and physically, but believes he is now close to returning to full fitness.
"It feels phenomenal. I've been out a long time," Scally said.
"There have obviously been a lot of challenges mentally and physically. So, I'm just coming back now, and I think that's me nearly up to speed. I just need to keep going."
Scally's return has also seen him resume training with the Rangers first team, something he believes will be important as he looks to build his fitness and continue his development.
"It's really good," he said when asked about being back with the first team.
"I speak with James [Penrice] quite frequently on what he does and what I can use in my game. We're both quite similar players, so they push me and I hopefully try and push them.
"But the main thing for me is just go and train, see how I am, go with the group and just keep going."
First team prospects at Ibrox
The defender was handed his first-team debut by Rangers on the final day of last season against John McGlynn’s Bairns, but his progress was halted almost immediately by injury.
Scally acknowledged the setback was difficult to accept after finally reaching the first-team picture.
"It's obviously hard to take, but listen, that's part of football. That's what happens," he said.
"So obviously it's my job to keep going and that's what I've been doing. I can't really ask more of myself today.
"They've been perfect with me. They've helped me with everything. Made sure I'm alright, went walks, done my rehab properly.
"It's been really good to be back. I'm just happy to be back again."
Scally's latest appearance also provided another important step in his recovery, with the youngster now targeting longer spells on the pitch.
Having already experienced first-team football last season, Scally will now hope his return to full fitness can put him back into contention for further opportunities under McInnes.
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