Charlie McCann and Leon King's Rangers crossroads - Derek Clark

Robbie Ure enjoyed a dream debut after netting the opening goal in the 3-1 League Cup win over Queen of the South.

There were rare starts for highly-rated pair Leon King and Adam Devine while cameos were afforded to Charlie McCann, Zak Lovelace, Archie Stevens and Paul Nsio.

Credit must go to Giovanni van Bronckhorst and the coaching staff for having the faith to play the youngsters in a competition Rangers have underperformed in for some time.

It certainly bodes well for the future as the conveyer belt of talent appears to be in full operation at the Rangers Training Centre.

However, with the B Team competing in the fifth tier of Scottish football, there needs to be a conversation as to whether that level of competition is simply beneath the standard a number of these lads are now operating at.

I’m specifically referencing Charlie McCann and Leon King who have been on the fringes of the first-team but the pathway to regular senior football looks somewhat congested.

McCann is someone who looks the real deal and you certainly wouldn’t have any qualms about the 20-year-old featuring more in the Rangers engine room.

He certainly thinks so.

When quizzed about the season ahead following the club’s Open Training Session back in July, McCann targeted more opportunities in the first team. He said: “I think you’ve got to take it as it comes and see day to day, what happens but I think, personally, I want to build on last season.

“I broke through a little bit last season towards the end and hopefully this season I can break through a bit more and really establish myself and get some good minutes in games this season and hopefully do well.”

McCann was also asked if he sees his immediate future away from Ibrox on loan to which he replied: “There’s always an option of that but I think, at the minute, I’m looking at staying, establishing myself and getting some minutes and trying to push for a spot in the team or at least involvement in the team in the games coming up this season.”

It’s clear he possesses an inner belief in his ability, which shows from his brief performances on the pitch. He impressed in the pre-season friendlies against Blackpool and West Ham while his back heel for Rangers’ third against the Doonhamers was majestic.

The big question is whether he has a role to play this season and if he does, just how many minutes that it is likely to comprise. If it’s anything less than ten games, it may be more beneficial to send him out on loan, at least until January where he can continue his development by playing consistent football.

Leon King is the other obvious example of a player who is too good for Lowland League football, but perhaps not quite ready to feature consistently in the Rangers first-team.

That being said, with Filip Helander, John Souttar and Ben Davies currently out of action, having the 18-year-old on standby may be advisable.

Like McCann, King is another who believes he is good enough to stake a claim for a first-team place. Speaking after Saturday’s comprehensive win over Ross County, he was quizzed if he considered moving away for regular game time. He replied: “No, I was solely focused on this club. I’m delighted to still be here and get the chance that I’m getting now.”

It remains to be seen if the pair will have a contribution to make to the senior side in the next few weeks with some mammoth fixtures on the horizon.

One thing is for sure, though, they have outgrown the B Team and need to climb onto the next rung of the ladder in their development, whether that’s at Rangers or a loan spell elsewhere.

This piece is an extract from today’s Rangers Insider newsletter, which is emailed out at 5pm every weekday with a round-up of the day's top stories and exclusive analysis from the Rangers Review team.

To receive our full, free newsletter including this analysis straight to your email inbox, click here and tick the box for Top Stories.