- Paul Nsio sparked Raith’s comeback in victory over Morton
- 20-year-old helped the Rovers lift KDM Evolution Trophy
- Loanee has become regular starter under Dougie Imrie
Paul Nsio scored his third goal for Raith Rovers in the Scottish Championship last weekend as he enjoys life at Stark’s Park.
Nsio scored the first goal which provided the Rovers’ comeback as they recovered from a goal down to win 3-2 against Greenock Morton.
The 20-year-old has also become a regular starter for the Rovers with manager Dougie Imrie featuring the youngster in the last eight consecutive matches, including their Challenge Cup victory over Inverness.
Nsio praised for his performances by Dougie Imrie
In The Courier, Imrie, who was appointed Raith manager in November has called out the youngster for his strong contributions on the pitch.
He said: “We have given him a platform here that he’s embraced. And it’s a credit to himself that he’s managed to force his way into our first-team.
“He’s starting to understand what we’re looking for as a staff and as a team playing on a Saturday – and he has taken that challenge on like a duck to water.”
This is evident that the Englishman is thriving under Imrie’s leadership and is relishing the opportunity to further his development.
He has also been vital to the Kirkcaldy club’s recent revival as the Rovers have won three of their last four ahead of tonight’s match against Queen’s Park with their slim Premiership play-off hopes still alive.
Therefore, continued minutes, plus a cup medal will mean Nsio should be in a great condition when he returns to Danny Rohl’s squad.
Could a place in the first-team at Ibrox be next on the cards
When Nsio’s loan spell at the Scottish Championship club comes to an end, the question is then what is next for the 20-year-old.
In an interview with Fife Today, the youngster referred to the connection with Imrie as being “good” but surely with a cup medal under his belt he should be given the opportunity to push for a place in the first-team.
Nsio is not the only youngster on loan from Rangers who has impressed with Findlay Curtis also demonstrating his talent at Neil McCann’s Kilmarnock.
And with 22-year-old Luke Graham reportedly a summer target it paints a scenario where Nsio, Curtis and Graham are at Rangers next season.
Therefore, if they are in or around Ibrox next season, then it may hint to Rohl adopting a homegrown approach.
Read Rangers Analysis
What Paul Nsio’s spell at Raith Rovers insinuates is that Rangers will be handed back a young up and coming player brimming with confidence.
The regular and consistent minutes offered to him by Imrie means that his development is getting stronger and stronger by the week.
And that should convince Rohl that he is a player who deserves the chance of senior team involvement.
