ADAM DEVINE is confident his patience will pay off as he bids to build on his breakthrough months at Ibrox.
The defender made his debut for his boyhood heroes during the cup win over Queen of the South in August.
And now he is on the brink of a place in the squad for the Hampden showpiece with Old Firm rivals Celtic next month.
Boss Michael Beale was full of praise for Devine as he deputised at left-back while Borna Barisic was at the World Cup and he hinted that the 19-year-old would be keeping captain James Tavernier on his toes for the remainder of the term.
Tavernier and Barisic remain stalwarts of the side that Beale has guided to a 13-game unbeaten run as Rangers prepare for the Premiership clash with Livingston and their derby date with destiny next Sunday.
But Devine is pleased with his progress at present as he takes on board the words of advice from his team-mates and encouragement from his manager.
Devine said: “He’s said to me I just need to bide my time. Obviously, the two full-backs who are in the team just now, they are very good players and it’s hard to get in that position. So, when your opportunity comes you just need to take it as well as you can.
“It’s difficult, but it shows the quality and I need to try every day in training, to work hard to try to get into the team. And when I get into the team to try and stay in it.
"[James and Borna have said] just to be patient and when you get your chance obviously you need to take it. It is difficult to get your chance, of course, with the high quality players that they are.
"But when you get it, you need to show what you are capable of and show why you have been picked to wear the jersey.
"I think age doesn’t matter. If you are good enough to play then you can play. The manager has shown that since he came in and if you show that you are willing to do the work in training and around the place then you will get your chance."
*The Rangers Youth Development Company have taken their investment in the academy at Auchenhowie to more than £10million. Profits from RYDC products such as Rangers Lotto, The Union Jackpot half-time draw, Stadium Bricks and Scratchcards are donated to the academy. For full details on RYDC visit www.rydc.co.uk or call 0141 427 4914.
