Promising Garvagh teenager Scot Whiteside signs for Partick Thistle

Whiteside, a former Coleraine College pupil was a free agent after opting not to extend his stay at Ibrox beyond the summer due to a lack of first-team football.

The 18-year-old joined Rangers in 2013, a team he supported as a boy.

At that time there was interest from other clubs, including a number of English Premiership teams, but Scot put pen to paper for the Gers when McCoist was still in charge.

The big defender, who worked his way up the youth ranks at Ibrox, never made a first-team appearance during his time at Rangers .

Whiteside, who has represented Northern Ireland at every age group from Under-15s to Under-19s, has agreed a deal until the end of the season at Partick.

Whiteside, who is the son of current Tobermore United boss Adrian ‘Bouncy’ Whiteside, will help to fill the void created by the departure of Jack Hendry to Wigan Athletic on transfer deadline day.

Jags boss Alan Archibald has spoken on his delight that the Garvagh man signed for him.

Partick sit rock-bottom of the Scottish Premiership table, and have yet to win any of their opening nine games of the season.

It’s been a good few weeks for the teenager who was also selected for the Northern Ireland Under 19 squad alongside two other Coleraine lads,

Coleraine FC right back Lyndon Kane and Mark Edgar who is on the books at Blackburn Rovers.

Speaking to Times Sport this week Scot said he was delighted to have signed for the Scottish premiership side.

“I really want to push on and make my debut in the Scottish Premier League.

“Partick Thistle is a good Club.

“Everyone has made me feel very welcome.

“I was really pleased to sign, they have some very talented players.”

Looking ahead to a trip to Iceland with the Northern Ireland Under 19’s the defender went on, “We go next Wednesday to play Iceland in a friendly fixture.

“It’s always nice to get picked for your country, I am looking forward to it.

“It will be a good chance to meet up with the other local boys, Mark and Lyndon.”

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland senior team will play their next Euro qualifier at Windsor Park against Greece next Thursday, October 8.