18-year-old midfielder Bailey Rice made a significant impact during his half-time debut against Manchester United, catching the eye of former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand with his composure and technical ability. Rice's performance has sparked optimism among Rangers fans and his manager, Philippe Clement, who are hoping he can continue to shine in the upcoming matches.
But he knows a gifted footballer when he sees one. And at Old Trafford on Thursday night, a Rangers youngster made the former Manchester United and England superstar sit up and take notice. When Bailey Rice stepped on to the pitch at half-time in the Europa League Battle of Britain, he would have been forgiven for feeling a bit daunted or fazed by the venue and occasion.
And when Rice caressed a killer pass into the path of Cyriel Dessers at Old Trafford, for the big Nigerian to hit the post, Ferdinand’s eyes widened. You could sense it in his voice. “I tell you what, I’m liking Rice, by the way. He’s come on, he looks composed and with that left foot he looks like he’s got a bit.”
If he can take on Manchester United, he won’t be flustered against Dundee United. This is his time to shine, with injuries decimating Clement’s side. Rice will need more experienced players to help him, of course. But one of them, Albanian playmaker Nedim Bajrami, is adamant that he’s ready, along with the likes of Ross McCausland, Findlay Curtis and Zak Lovelace who have all got recent minutes in the first team.
Bajrami is a seasoned international who arrived at Ibrox from Serie A side Sassuolo in the summer after playing at Euro 2024. He’s got plenty of experience behind him and Clement will need that to come to the fore in the next few months. “Personally, I have a lot of experience so I try to say to them before each game just to play with freedom. I say: ‘Don’t think, play free and enjoy it.’ Because we don’t play every game at Old Trafford.”
RANGERS Bailey Rice Manchester United Europa League Rio Ferdinand Philippe Clement
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