Robbie Fraser’s service has been a labour of love. After 14 years, his hard work is paying off at Rangers.

The left-back joined his boyhood heroes as a shy kid aged just seven. He had talent and a dream, but had no idea when, or if, he would realise the ambition that he shared with so many. Fraser is one of the lucky ones, but his rise through the ranks is a case of fortitude as much as fortune.

Fraser signed a new deal at Ibrox last summer knowing that it could well have been his final chance to make a first impression. His patience and his perseverance paid off and the contract that was penned ahead of this term will keep him at Ibrox until 2026.

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As so many of his peers have fallen at hurdles over the years, Fraser has overcome each challenge that has stood between him and the next step in his career. He is breaking new ground as part of Philippe Clement’s squad this time out. He knows better than most what it takes to make it at a club like Rangers.

“It's a crazy amount of time,” Fraser said as he reflected on his journey from boy to man with the club crest on his chest. “I was seven years old. It's been a long time and I’ve being through everything at the club. I'm at the top of the pile now so hopefully I can stay here.

“Not many people can take that away from me. I've worked incredibly hard every day, working on my craft. To say I'm a Rangers first team player makes me so proud.

“There's several coaches [who have influenced me]. Too many to name through the years. Especially Brian Gilmour in the first team now. He worked in the academy. So for him to come up and for me to come up with him, it's really nice to have that relationship.

“There's loads of coaches, Cal McMaster in the gym, David McCallum, Malky Thomson, but even when I was younger, Greg Statt and guys like. So there’s been loads of top coaches.”

Each of those that Fraser namechecks, and many others along the way, have helped the defender live his dream. Like any player, he owes much of his success to his own attitude and application and he now has the opportunity to take his career to the next level under Clement’s guidance this season.

Fraser fulfilled the role of captain of the B Team before being promoted into Clement’s squad towards the end of last term. A debut in the home win over Dundee was followed by a start at Tynecastle. On Saturday, he came off the bench against St Johnstone as he made his first appearance of the campaign.

Supporters always have a certain affection for players that emerge from the youth system and make their mark for Rangers. When the kid in question has such an affinity with the club, that bond is only strengthened. That is the case for Fraser.

“It's a completely different side of things,” Fraser said. “Of course you're working hard in the academy, but when you make that jump it's a completely different ball game. I feel I’m capable of doing it.

“The club runs through me, my family, everybody I know, it began where I grew up in my street. I had a season ticket when I was younger, so to be on the pitch makes it even more sweeter with my family cheering me on in the stands as well.

“I can actually remember [my first day at the club]. I used to be quite a nervous, shy boy coming in. I didn't really take to being around the players that much, but I feel I've come out of my shell now. And now I want to kick on from here.”

Fraser’s future is now in Clement’s hands. The Belgian boss has often referenced the requirement for Rangers to produce players and is fully aware of the football and financial benefits of doing so. Indeed, Clement has a track record in that regard from his time in his homeland with Genk and Club Brugge.

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As expected, and as is right, no promises have been made to Fraser over what the campaign will hold for him. He has done his bit to date and so has Clement. Now they will work together to ensure that the next phase of Fraser’s career is the most positive and promising yet.

"Really good,” Fraser said when asked about his working relationship with Clement. “He's really positive towards me, talks to me and he really sees a bright future for me. He just says keep doing what I'm doing.

“He doesn't want me to change. Keep the same attitude, keep the same work ethic because he can see the quality in the pitch from me and that's nice to hear.

“He’s not necessarily told me I'm going to get X amount of games, but he just said keep doing what I'm doing, opportunities will arise, just like Saturday night against St Johnstone.

“I just need to be patient. I know there are some top players around my position. It’s understandable that I might not get the minutes I want, but I'm working in a great environment and I can only see myself getting better.”

Fraser may only have played the final eight minutes at Hampden but his prospects look brighter in the coming weeks. The loss of Ridvan Yilmaz to injury has moved him up the pecking order and he is now the second choice on the left side of the defence, behind summer signing Jefte.

Clement has already insisted that he won’t go into the transfer market to bring in another option at full-back. He has belief in Fraser to perform at the level required when called upon. That faith will be repaid as the youngster looks to establish himself at Ibrox.

“Yes, it's fantastic to hear,” Fraser said. “It's exactly what you want. I'm working every day to try and capitalise on any moments I can get. 

“Of course, Ridvan is a great player and the team will miss him. But it's an opportunity for me to step in and try and show what I can do.

“You work every day for moments and if any moments come, you have to be ready. The gaffer talks about it all the time that he can show faith in young players, so I have to be on my toes. 

“Yes, it's a huge step up. I’ve been training with the first-team lads for a while so you do get to come to terms with it more. Getting some minutes on the pitch definitely helps.

“I feel really good and I feel a part of it now. I don't want to be known as the younger one. I want to try and establish myself in the first team. I'll try and kick on from here.”