Robbie Fraser waited 14 years to realise his Rangers dream. Now he is determined to live it to the maximum during his maiden campaign as a first team player.

The left-back was given his debut by Philippe Clement in the 5-2 victory over Dundee last term. Just days later, he earned a starting jersey for the final Premiership fixture of the campaign against Hearts.

For a kid who had spent more than a decade working his way through the ranks at Auchenhowie, those outings at Ibrox and Tynecastle were a reward for his efforts. If Fraser has his way, he will now write another chapter in his Rangers story.


Read more:


Clement handed the 21-year-old an extension to his contract earlier this summer and he will challenge Ridvan Yilmaz and new arrival Jefte for a starting spot in the coming months. It is another challenge that Fraser will meet head on at Ibrox.

“I first started with the Football in the Community teams then I was brought into the youth set-up full-time," Fraser said as he reflected on his long association with his boyhood heroes. “It has been amazing and making my debut was down to a lot of hard work on the pitch, in the gym and learning from so many top coaches.

“I have worked as hard as I could here for 14 years and was ready for that moment. You need to be on it 365 days a year here. It’s non-stop and you have to give everything you can to earn the chance.

"I love working hard, I love giving everything I have because it make the rewards even sweeter. I don’t want anything just given to me, I want to earn it. That will never change for me so here’s hoping I can have a good future here.

“Signing the new contract gives me peace of mind and it was a massive moment for me. Earning myself a new contract shows I’ve been doing really well and the manager and his staff have seen that. Hopefully I can kick on now and really enjoy the season ahead.

“I’ve given everything to this football club for 14 years so to get that experience and make my debut against Dundee in front of the fans at Ibrox Stadium was special. Having my family in the stand made it even more special."

Fraser returned to Auchenhowie with Clement's squad last week and will head to Holland in the coming days as the Belgian boss steps up his preparations for the new campaign. Rangers will play two bounce matches on the continent and also have fixtures with Manchester United, Birmingham City and Union Berlin on their schedule this summer.

Fraser has a chance to stake his claim for a spot ahead of the start of the Premiership title bid and European outings during a hectic run in August. And he is thankful for the support he has received from familiar faces over the course of his rise to prominence.

“I worked closely with Brian Gilmour when he was at the Academy for a number of years and it’s great he is with the first-team now," Fraser said as he promoted the Rangers Youth Development Fund at Auchenhowie. “I had lots of deep chats with him about football and life. It’s not just about the player, it’s also about your life away from the pitch.

“Stevie Smith, who was a great left-back for this club, Greg Statt, Peter Lovenkrands, David McCallum and all my coaches have helped me since I joined. I owe them all so much, they have all played their part.

“They put a lot of time and effort into me and I hope they feel a sense of satisfaction when any young player progresses to the first-team. I’m sure they do and I can’t thank them enough. They work tirelessly every day and I am so grateful.

“You need to be on top of your game all the time as there will be someone else wanting your position. Nothing will change for me though, I will keep working hard and focus. I’ll always have the same attitude, desire and energy to come in and give everything for this club.

“That’s the minimum this club deserves from any player. I know what it means to play for Rangers and I’ll always give everything I have. Here’s hoping I’m here for a long time.

“Alex Rae is also part of the staff and it’s great to work with him too. He knows absolutely everything about this club and what it means to play for the badge.

“I’ve always felt it was integral to have players who have played for the club working here. They know what it’s like."