Rangers’ academy has been in the spotlight in recent weeks for a variety of reasons. 

Academy Director Craig Mulholland’s departure was confirmed before consecutive finals against Celtic in the Youth Cup and City of Glasgow Cup. 

Both entertaining encounters ended in disappointment for Rangers but there was one consistent shining light - Bailey Rice. 

While it’s imperative to stress patience with youth players, Rice is a prodigious talent and there are high hopes for him within Ibrox corridors. 

A deep-lying midfielder with a maturity that defies his years, the 16-year-old possesses natural ability that should create a pathway to becoming a first-team regular. 

That talent has already caught the eye of Michael Beale and the starlet feels empowered by the Rangers managers’ background, and faith, in youth. 

“When the new manager came in, one of the first things he talked about was youth development,” Rice explains.

“I felt you could step up from the B-team to the first team, especially training quite regularly. When you get your chance, you have to take it and thankfully I did. I got some game time against Livingston and hopefully, there are many more chances to come.

“They give us an opportunity, so we need to take it. There’s no point hiding in training as a young boy or not speaking in your wee shell. You need to bring out your personality and show what you can do - you might only get one chance.”

Beale’s confidence in young players was exemplified perfectly when Rice was handed his professional debut against Livingston in February. 

Pulling on the famous blue shirt was a source of immense pride for the boyhood Rangers fan, and his debut's backstory was quite remarkable. 

Less than 24 hours before stepping off the bench in West Lothian, Rice was captaining Scotland Under-17’s to an incredible 7-0 win over Switzerland in Spain. 

It was a whirlwind experience for Rice, as he demonstrated his commitment to the cause, and it’s a day he will never forget. 

“It was hectic. Brian (McLaughlin) told me that I would get half a game and be on the bench against Livingston the next day," he says. 

"I then got the call from first-team coach Harry (Watling) when we were checking in our bags in Spain. He said I would be on the bench and likely get minutes if the game planned out. 

“I ended up getting back in Glasgow at like quarter to one and I had to jump straight home to bed. Next thing I know I was on the bus to Livingston.

“Brian told me that I might be involved and then Cameron Campbell - my under-18s coach - was out in Spain at the time.

“I didn’t know I was going to get on at that time because that was the first time I’ve been involved.”

On featuring in two games in 24 hours, Rice adds: “It was difficult. There was a lot to take in, especially with me being a Rangers fan but it was a dream come true. 

“I was obviously focusing on the game against Switzerland first and foremost. Then after that, I could turn my attention to Rangers.” 

Rice has a quiet confidence in his ability that is well-founded and admirable - with the excitement of his debut leaving him hungry for his next opportunity. 

“I genuinely couldn’t shut my eyes,” Rice says on his pre-debut excitement. “I was so buzzing but knowing I was probably going to get game time didn’t make the experience harder to deal with.

“I’ve been on the bench against St Mirren and Aberdeen and I’ve been thinking I’m good enough to get on the pitch any time now.

“So you’ve always got to be mentally prepared for that.” 

The pathway between academy and senior football has sparked huge debate recently ahead of a vote over a potential Conference League, to hypothetically be inserted into the Scottish football pyramid below League Two. 

Rice - currently with Scotland at the Under-17s Euros - has played regularly in the Lowland League this season but he’s found games against development sides in England to be more beneficial to his development. 

“I know it’s maybe not the highest level but you can say that you’re playing against men. We also play these best vs best games against English teams and they are probably the most challenging games," he adds.

“It’s finding the right balance about when to go up a gear. You could say that it’s a big gap but if you want to be there then it needs to be done.” 

Rice featured in the matchday squad against Celtic recently and warmed up with his teammates despite not making the bench. 

But what does next season hold? A loan move, or staying right where he is?

“That will be up to my agents and the club to decide that," he replies. 

“But I’m very happy where I am right now. Hopefully, I can keep progressing towards the first team over the next year.”