- Dumbarton owner praises Rangers loanee Alexander Smith’s early impact and maturity in senior football.
- Mario Lapointe compares Smith to Celtic’s James Forrest, a remark likely to divide opinion in Govan.
- Smith highlights development at Rangers, including loan experience and first-team exposure as key progress steps.
Dumbarton owner Mario Lapointe has offered a notably warm assessment of Rangers loanee Alex Smith, praising the teenager’s early impact in senior football while drawing a comparison to James Forrest that while well meant, will not be universally welcomed within Ibrox circles given the familiar sensitivities of the Old Firm divide.
Smith, still only 17, made an assured transition into men’s football after joining Dumbarton on loan in February, contributing four assists in eight appearances and quickly establishing himself as one of the more inventive presences in The Sons’ attacking play as they avoided League Two’s relegation playoffs.
Dumbarton chief praises Rangers loanee Alexander Smith
Lapointe’s remarks were well meaning but misinformed, highlighting both the player’s technical assurance and his composure in moments of pressure.
“At just 17, Alex showed us exactly what he’s made of,” said the Canadian.
“His impact on the pitch, courage under huge pressure, and a determination well beyond his years.
“He reminds me of what James Forrest has been and his story with Celtic, a player who grows into something special.”
James Forrest comparison
The comparison to Forrest, a player whose longevity and success at Celtic have made him one of Scottish football’s most decorated players during an era of Ibrox turbulence is unlikely to be met with enthusiasm in Govan, even if the sentiment was clearly intended as praise for Smith’s trajectory rather than provocation.
Lapointe was also keen to underline that Smith’s development remains the priority, while offering encouragement regarding his future at Rangers.
“Time will tell how high he’ll go, but he’s earned every bit of what comes next,” he added.
“I wish him nothing but the best with Rangers.
“He’s more than deserving of the opportunity and will always be welcomed in Dumbarton.”
Alexander Smith ready for Rangers return
Smith himself has been candid about the value of the loan spell, describing it as a crucial step in bridging the gap between academy football and the demands of the senior game.
“Going to Dumbarton has been really good for me,” Smith said to RYDC.
“It’s all great experience and I’m learning so much by playing in competitive games.
“It’s a different type of football to youth games here and you have to get used to playing in front of fans – a big difference but it’s something I’ve enjoyed.
“I usually train with Rangers on a Monday and Friday and with Dumbarton on Tuesday and Thursday nights then have the game at the weekend.
“So I am learning every day.”
The midfielder also reflected on his involvement with the Rangers first-team environment, including being named on the bench for a Europa League tie against Porto.
In what was an experience he described as formative.
“Going away with the squad was brilliant,” he said.
“I could see what it was like on a match day and experience the build-up. I got a feel for it.
“It was definitely a really good experience for me to be named on the bench for the game as well. It will benefit me in the future.”
Smith added that working under experienced figures within the Rangers setup has been central to his development.
“There are a lot of good players my age at Rangers, so you have to try and stand out,” he said.
“Rangers is one of the biggest clubs in Scotland.
“So, you will always be playing and training against the best players and I am so happy to be here.
“My family are all Rangers supporters so it was great for them when I joined when I was 8.”
Read Rangers analysis
This loan has been designed as part of a structured development pathway, blending elite training exposure with competitive senior minutes.
It has also delivered a player to Dumbarton who has contributed immediately, both in output and in attitude.
And while Lapointe’s comparison to a Celtic stalwart may raise eyebrows in Govan.
It is clear the sentiment was rooted less in rivalry than in admiration for a young player beginning to look increasingly at home in the senior game.
