We won't end up like Falkirk. That's the short version. Curtis is coming back and, if he keeps developing, he should force his way into the team. The wider problem is structural: there simply aren't enough Scottish players available to fill big chunks of our squad, and we rarely give young Scots the sustained minutes they'd need to really kick on.
Curtis and the pathway
I've said it before — Curtis looks the kind of player who can return and make a real contribution. You can see why fans want to believe in the pathway. The trouble is, belief alone doesn't equal opportunity. For a young player to become a regular he needs consecutive games, time to make mistakes and learn. At our level that continuity is rare, because the bar is high and expectations are unrelenting.
The economics and squad reality
Let's be honest about the market. There aren't loads of Scottish players out there who tick every box and come at a price that makes sense for Rangers. Ideally you'd have seven or eight homegrown types in the first-team picture, showing the academy really works. In practice that rarely lines up with budgets, availability and the need to compete week in, week out.
Patience, minutes and Falkirk's advantage
Falkirk — lower stakes, less pressure — can blood youngsters and still play decent football while they're at it. We don't have that luxury. We do have Scottish players around the club: Kelly, Hutton, Souttar, King, Curtis, Cameron and Barron among those with senior experience. Most have had bits and pieces of game time, but, apart from Barron, consistent minutes have been hard to come by.
Truth is, it's not just about producing talent. It's about giving them the runway to grow. Fans want to see our academy rewarded on the pitch, and I do too. But until the club is willing to grant more regular minutes to the young Scots in and around the squad, we'll keep having the same conversation — hopeful names, limited chances.
To be fair, there's cause for optimism with a few of those lads. It just needs patience and a plan that actually hands them the minutes they need to become regulars.
Related Articles
About Rangers News Views
Rangers News Views offers daily Glasgow Rangers coverage including match reaction, transfer analysis, SPFL context, tactical breakdowns and opinion-led articles written by supporters for supporters.
