Rangers head coach Danny Rohl has revealed his disappointment that teenage prospects Ashton Scally and Kyle Glasgow were not permitted to feature in the club’s 5–0 Scottish Cup victory over Annan Athletic, despite both players already gaining experience in senior competition this season.
The Light Blues cruised into the fifth round with a dominant performance at Ibrox, as a much-changed side delivered a convincing win over the Scottish League 2 outfit.
The night proved memorable for 17-year-old Zebedee Lawson, who made his Rangers debut, while fellow academy graduate Findlay Curtis and goalkeeper Liam Kelly started the match with substitute keeper Kieran Wright also featured in the matchday squad as a Rangers graduate.
However, two of Rangers most highly rated young talents, full back Scally and attacking midfielder Glasgow, were absent, despite being involved in senior football earlier in the campaign through the Scottish Challenge Cup with Rangers B team.
Speaking after the match, Rohl admitted he had hoped to include both players but was prevented from doing so due to age-related regulations.
“It’s always important for us as a club, also for the academy,” Röhl said on Lawson’s debut.
“It was a shame it was not allowed to take Kyle and Ashton as well. They could use this opportunity to play, but there are some rules.”
The Rangers boss was keen to stress how highly the club rates both youngsters, describing them as key parts of the club’s long-term future.
“These are high-potential players. We like them, we want to keep them, very high-potential players for us for the future, and hopefully if they have the right age, they can help us as well.”
Scally and Glasgow have already featured in the Scottish Challenge Cup this season for Rangers B, a competition that allows younger players to test themselves against senior opposition.
Their involvement at that level had raised hopes they could also be included in the Scottish Cup squad, particularly in a tie that offered a valuable development opportunity.
Glasgow, in particular, has attracted growing attention after earning a call-up to Portugal’s Under-16 squad, for which he is eligible through his mother.
The young defender’s international recognition has further underlined his potential, with Rangers viewing him as one of the academy’s brightest prospects.
Despite their absence, the match still showcased the club’s commitment to youth development. Zebedee Lawson’s debut was a proud moment for the teenager and his family, as Rohl highlighted.
“It’s a really proud day for him and his family too,” the manager said.
Lawson joined Curtis – another academy graduate – in gaining valuable first-team minutes, while the inclusion of experienced figures who have came through at the club, such as Kelly helped balance the youthful lineup.
Rohl has made no secret of his desire to integrate young players into the senior squad whenever possible, but the restrictions around age eligibility remain a limiting factor in certain competitions.
While Scally and Glasgow can feature in development and Challenge Cup fixtures, the SFA’s regulations prevent under-16 players from taking part in senior competitive matches in the league, League Cup and Scottish Cup.
While 15-year-olds are eligible to feature in England’s Premier League – with Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri holding the record as the youngest ever at 15 years and 181 days, followed by Max Dowman and Leicester City’s Jeremy Monga – Scottish FA regulations prevented Rangers the teenage duo this week.
The club had previously prepared to seek special dispensation for Billy Gilmour to play against Greenock Morton in the 2017 Scottish Cup at the same age - but did not follow through on the request.
The players are however, eligible to be selected within the UEFA Europa League, and Rangers final two dead rubber league phase bouts against Ludogorets and Porto may provide an opportunity for both players.
For Rangers, the frustration lies in the timing. With the tie against Annan presenting a relatively low-risk opportunity to blood emerging talent, Rohl felt both players could have benefited from the experience.
Nevertheless, the manager remains confident in their long-term prospects at Ibrox.
As Rangers continue their Scottish Cup campaign, attention will now turn to the fifth-round draw. While Scally and Glasgow will have to wait for their chance in this competition, their progress in the development setup – and on the international stage in Glasgow’s case – suggests their time will come.