Hughes: The future’s bright for Rangers

“These guys are the future of this club and, as manager, I feel it’s imperative that we ensure from the outset that they are very much a part of our plans,” explained Michael Hughes.

“My initial idea was to have four of them along for Tuesday night’s game against the Mexican international side which is here to participate in the Milk Cup U19 competition.

“Then we will have one or two along for the big match on Saturday away to Crusaders, who are, of course, All-Ireland champions now after winning the Setanta Sports Cup – and have just come back from their Europa League clash with the quality Rosenborg side in Norway.

“I think we will also have a game next Tuesday night against Rosario and that will be yet another opportunity to give some of the lads a run-out with the first-team squad.

“Given that we are operating with a considerably smaller first-team panel of players this year, we will be dipping in and out of the U18s fairly regularly and it’s only but right that we put our cards on the table right from the start.

“It’s a situation also which will alert these young guys to the fact that they are not too far away from elevation to the Championship 1 squad and, from what I have seen of the U18s, I can assure you that they are a very decent bunch of young players and the potential is definitely there.

“I am very happy with how things are progressing,” added Hughes.