- Rangers set to replace Raith Rovers loan deal with new Greenock Morton partnership
- Paul Nsio highlights physical and technical growth from Championship loan spell
- Alloa pathway continues, with youngsters pushing for higher-level opportunities
Rangers are set to enter into a co-operative agreement with Championship side Greenock Morton which will see Ibrox youngsters head to Inverclyde on loan from next season.
The agreement, which would begin in the summer, will replace the Gers existing deal with fellow second-tier side Raith Rovers.
Reports suggest that the Inverclyde club sent over a proposal to Rangers to initiate the link-up this week.
The deal would see prospects make the move to Cappielow to work under former Gers defender Ian Murray, who now manages the side.
Rangers see co-operation success
Rovers have had two academy players on loan this season.
Josh Gentles spent the first half of the campaign at Starks Park but returned due to limited game time.
20-year-old English midfielder Paul Nsio has also spent the season with Dougie Imire’s side and has become a key player for them.
The loanee picked up no less than four awards at their Player-of-the-Year awards.
Nsio praised his time away from Ibrox.
“I think it’s better if I go out on loan and really get men’s football,” he explained.
“I’ve learned a lot and I can take that back to Rangers.
“Physically, I feel better and technically, I’m starting to know what first team football is about.”
Alloa academy stars
Rangers also have co-operation deals with League One side Alloa Athletic and League Two side Stirling Albion.
The deal with the Wasps is set to continue after successful spells in Clackmannanshire for Calum Adamson, Lewis Stewart and latterly Gentles over the year.
Stewart’s performances have seen him linked with moves to the English Premiership.
Callum Burnside is also at Alloa on a straight loan as, with Nsio, only Scottish-eligible players are allowed to be loaned under the system.
The agreement allows the players to freely move between parent and loan club, has been a big benefit claims Adamson.
“I’m getting minutes here, then going back and training with top pros,” he said.
The deal with Albion is up in the air after several youngsters had their spells at Forthbank cut short.
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The deal with Morton could see some of the top prospects at the club get valuable first-team football.
The Alloa loanees could make the step up to a higher division next season with the Ton.
Other youngsters such as Alexander Smith and Kyle Glasgow are also touted for switches away from Ibrox to enhance their development.
Rangers were approached for comment on the suggested link-up.
