Top Gers talent makes Scotland U21s debut as striker tests homegrown Ibrox transfer theory

03/23/2025 08:49 AM

Nils Koppen has pledged to sign the best young talent for Rangers and the Scotland U21s is a breeding ground for the country's next up and coming stars.

Almost every player who has gone on to make the grade with the Scotland first team has done their time with the youths and a new-look Scotland U21s has great cause for optimism.

That's certainly the case for incoming Rangers arrival Lyall Cameron, who has been a stand-out performer for the Scotland youth set-up and for Dundee in recent seasons.

But as one young Rangers star takes another step in his development with the nation's unders, a leading Scottish Premiership talent continues to send the right signals towards Ibrox.

• READ MORE:Clarke hails 'really intelligent' Scotland partnership Rangers could've had at Ibrox

Bailey Rice makes Scotland U21s debut

There's been a lot made of Rangers talent Bailey Rice in recent months.

Michael Beale told the press Rice was 'ready' in 2023 before Philippe Clement stopped the midfielder in his tracks.

Whilst the Belgian did give the youngster opportunities, there was a feeling that Rice wasn't progressing like Lennon Miller, the duo having come through the Motherwell academy together.

Rice did impress Rio Ferdinand at Old Trafford, the youngster's composure on the ball a feature of his play.

But when the midfielder was hooked at half-time against Queen's Park, it was evidence that there is still much to improve on when it comes to playing at Ibrox.

Barry Ferguson has hinted at opportunities for Rice during his tenure but the 18-year-old midfielder is yet to feature under the interim Rangers manager.

Now, Rice has earned his maiden Scotland U21 cap, coming off the bench in the match as one of eleven debutants in a new-look Scotland youth side.

It's a step up from U19s football and a signal to everyone that, despite much conjecture over his development, the kid is moving in the right direction.

Bobby Wales to test Rangers transfer theory

We're sure the Rangers management team will be focused on Bailey Rice making his introduction to the Scotland U21 set-up.

But there is another player we're sure will be catching Nils Koppen's attentions if the Belgian recruitment guru is serious about Rangers signing at least one Scottish-based player per season.

Kilmarnock striker Bobby Wales, 19, has been on impressive form this season and the 19-year-old is out of contract at Rugby Park come the summer.

The likes of Si Ferry has tipped Wales for Rangers or Celtic with both ides of the Old Firm no doubt keeping tabs on the young hitman's progress.

Conversely, Derek McInnes wants Wales to sign a new Kilmarnock contract after an impressive breakthrough season which has seen the striker net five goals for the Ayrshire club this season.

But that's a mission that might just have gotten harder after Wales opened his Scotland U21s account with a goal within five minutes against the Republic of Ireland.

The striker bundled the ball over the line – like all good hitmen should be able to do – after good work from Man City youngster Emilio Lawrence to lay the foundation of an eventual 2-0 victory in Spain.

Celtic youngster Jude Bonnar would score Scotland's second goal of the game in the second half, with Dundee United goalkeeper Ruairidh Adams also saving a late penalty.

With Bobby Wales making waves on the international stage, perhaps Rangers have got a decision to make on the out of contract star this summer.

The Gers would have to pay Kilmarnock a fee for the striker, similar to the development fee Rangers paid Aberdeen for Connor Barron this season.

We make Wales one of a number of Premiership talents Rangers could pick up for bargain fees this summer.