IBROX kid Josh McPake reckons the words of wisdom from fellow forward Jermain Defoe could help him make his mark with Rangers.
The 17-year-old was part of the Light Blues side that beat Celtic in the Scottish Youth Cup final at Hampden on Thursday night as he turned in a man of the match winning performance.
McPake has already had a taste of first team action this term after being invited round to train with Steven Gerrard’s squad on several occasions throughout the course of the campaign.
His superb individual showing would have caught the eye of boss Gerrard at the National Stadium as goals from Ciaran Dickson, Dapo Mebude and Nathan Young-Coombes won it for the Gers.
And the forward is thankful for the efforts of Defoe as he has helped him improve as a player this term.
McPake said: “The gaffer came in and shook our hands which was great. We know there is a route to progress at the club which is pleasing.
“We know if we do well we are going to get a chance. I have been training with the first team quite a lot and I was in the squad for the game against Dundee.
“It is good to get around and see the players that you look up to. I like Ryan Kent and I watch him closely to get an insight to what he is doing. I watch Jermain Defoe as well.
“The work rate he has, even off the park, is incredible. He never lets anything slip.
“The first team boys talk away to all the young boys and they let you be part of the group.
“They tell me to express myself and that makes you enjoy it even more. I have spoken to Jermain a couple of times and sometimes after training he will take me for ten or 15 minutes and we will do a couple of finishing drills.
“We have got a big wave of good young players at 18s and 20s coming through. The challenge is the next step.
“I have made quite a few goals myself between now and the end of the season. Hopefully get into another match day squad, maybe on the bench.
“There are personal goals I set myself every day.
“Hopefully I have impressed the manager and he enjoyed it.”
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