Local lads sign for Rangers

[pete 2,499]

TWO talented footballers have been snapped up by Glasgow giants Rangers.

 

Youngsters Craig White and Michael Selfridge will be joining up with the Ibrox club on July as part of their Pro-Youth development system.

 

The 13-year-old starlets, who play for Cambusnethan Talbot�s under-13 side, were spotted by scouts during the club�s treble winning success last season (see page95).

 

And they impressed enough to warrant the attentions of the UEFA Cup finalists.

 

Cambusnethan coach, Cameron McNeish, said: ââ?¬Å?Craig and Michael have potential and there is an opportunity there.

ââ?¬Å?Both have got something that can get developed and whoââ?¬â?¢s to say they canââ?¬â?¢t make it.

 

ââ?¬Å?They need a great deal of work but ultimately there is definitely something that can be worked on.

 

ââ?¬Å?They are two good kids with great attitudes.ââ?¬Â

 

Craig, who is a left back, and Michael who plays centre forward, both have raw pace ââ?¬â?? something their coach believes is a pre-requisite for playing at a higher level.

 

Cameron said: ââ?¬Å?Across the board professional clubs are going for more of the athletic type of young footballer rather than the kind of robotic players.

 

ââ?¬Å?Both of them are very fast and have a great determination to succeed and a will to win.ââ?¬Â

 

Craig and Michael will train at Rangers� state-of-the-art- Murray Park training complex three times a week and will turn out in light blue colours at the weekends.

 

During this time the SPL club will make sure the teenagers continue their education in the classroom as well as on the training paddock.

 

And if they come through the youth set up then a lucrative professional contract could await them.

 

Cambusnethan under-13s have only been in existence for three years and during that spell Motherwell Football Club have also signed one of their players, Mark McRoberts ââ?¬â?? a testament to the strong coaching set-up at the local club, led by McNeish, Andy Crawford and John McCabe.

 

ââ?¬Å?In a short space of time we have done very well as a club,ââ?¬Â Cameron said.

 

He added: ââ?¬Å?You put a lot of time and effort in.

 

ââ?¬Å?But when the kids win all these trophies and some go to a higher level the hard work is definitely worth it.

 

ââ?¬Å?So we must be doing something right at the club.

 

He continued: ââ?¬Å?What we said to Craig and Michael is that we hope we donââ?¬â?¢t see them back here!

 

ââ?¬Å?But, of course, they would always be welcome back here as they are both fantastic players.ââ?¬Â

 

Waw We do have scouts on the ground, or were these kids on the telly.

Will be glad to keep an eye on their progress.