Michael Beale has provided an update on his plans for Alex Lowry.

The Rangers manager discussed the future of the promising midfielder today at a press conference ahead of Sunday’s League Cup semi-final against Aberdeen.

The Ibrox academy graduate is a star performer for the Ibrox B side and has been backed by supporters to be given more first-team opportunities.

And that looks to be the case as Beale confirmed that the 19-year-old will not be leaving the club on loan this transfer window.

Asked about any intentions to send the youngster out on a temporary basis, the Rangers manager said: “No, it’s not in the plans. At this moment in time it’s not our plan for anyone who’s in the first-team squad to leave the building.

“Alex obviously started against Motherwell. He did OK, he’d like to have done better but I thought for a young player going in he did fine, we won the game 3-0 so no harm done.

“He had a slight calf issue after that game which meant he missed the last squad.

“He was back in training just before the Dundee United game, so I took the opportunity for him to go play in the B-team game, where he scored a hat-trick.

“It’s a completely different level and I’d expect him to go there and be dominant.

“But that’s the reason why you haven’t seen him since that Motherwell game.”

The youngster’s three-goal haul against Civil Service Strollers for the young Gers on Tuesday will have put him back into Beale’s thoughts for first-team selection.

READ MORE: Michael Beale's key Rangers prediction for Alex Lowry

Meanwhile the Light Blues gaffer gave an update on new faces joining the club this January.

"It has progressed well in terms of where it is at,” he said.

“As soon as there is news we will let everyone know. We are eager to let everyone know.

"It will take a little bit of time. My bit is done, if that makes sense, and now it is over to other people to finalise things.

"As far as I can see, I am really pleased with the way two or three things are going. They are heading in the right direction.

"I didn’t think anyone would be in before this game and I didn’t want to disrupt the group either. The group is quite settled at the moment.

"Hopefully in the next week or so we will see one or two things.”