Due to a mixture of injuries, registration issues and poor summer recruitment from the now-axed duo of Russell Martin and Kevin Thelwell Rangers were only able to name nine substitutes out of the allotted 11 for last night’s UEFA Europa League draw at Ibrox against Braga.
With John Souttar, Derek Cornelius, Joe Rothwell, Bailey Rice and Mikey Moore all injured and the likes of Nedim Bajrami, Clinton Nsiala and more unregistered for Europe, Head Coach Danny Röhl was down to the barebones with his options for the subs bench.
Dujon Sterling was added to the squad for the crocked Canadian Cornelius but was not deemed ready for the matchday XI after a poor showing in his comeback for the Under 19’s earlier in the week.
Included in the nine however was one unfamiliar face, number 51, Calum Adamson – with some supporters asking the question: Who is he?
The 19-year-old is a product of Rangers youth academy and is currently on loan at Scottish League 1 side Alloa Athletic – but due to it being a co-operation loan with the Wasps – he is eligible to play for his host side if needed and move back and forth between the two clubs throughout the season.
The Scotland Under 19 international joined Andy Graham’s side in late August and has made 13 appearances so far this season – scoring two and assisting once.
Upon seeing his selection for his parent side one Alloa fan commented: “I see Calum Adamson is on the bench for Rangers against Braga, hope he hasn't been recalled,” showing the feeling from Clackmannanshire is positive in regards to the youngster.
He is joined at Alloa by teammate Calum Burnside, with the Northern Irish winger also on a co-operation loan there – another Alloa fan commented on both saying: “Burnside and Adamson improve us significantly.”
This is welcome news for Gers fans frustrated at the ceiling on prospects at the club and offers hope that the next crop of youngsters can make the breakthrough into the first team setup.
Another graduate of the academy on the bench was Findlay Curtis – the winger did not make it onto the pitch however, with Röhl revealing post-match that he had been injured during the recent international break, perhaps explaining Scot Gemmill’s decision to omit him from the Scotland Under 21’s squad.
Röhl did however say Curtis would “get his chance” in the coming weeks.
Adamson will return to Alloa in preparation for their match away to newly appointed Dougie Imrie’s Raith Rovers at Starks Park tomorrow in the third round of the Scottish Cup.