Alex Lowry smashed home a hat-trick for Rangers B as he delivered a reminder to top team boss Michael Beale.
The youngster was part of the Light Blues reserve side that ran out 3-1 winners in the Lowland League against Civil Service Strollers to move into third spot in the standings. They are now level on points with rivals Celtic - having played one game more - and one point behind leaders The Spartans with the table toppers playing one extra fixture.
Lowry, who is highly rated in the Rangers camp and one expected to make a real impact at the first-team level, grabbed two first half goals before he rounded off the scoring to put the game out of sight and claim the match ball. Leon King was also involved from the off in this one as he gets minutes under his belt with Connor Goldson and Ben Davies the preferred duo for Beale in the first-team at this moment in time.
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The youngster has played a key role this term with an injury crisis at the back hitting the Ibrox men over the period leading up to the winter shutdown. He picked up vital experience in both the Scottish Premiership and the Champions League against the likes of Liverpool and Napoli and will be out to get more of that with his long-term future at the club.
David McCallum's men are back in action this weekend with another home clash against Dalbeattie star before facing a trip to Broadwood to face Open Goal Broomhill at then end of the month.
Speaking at the end of last year about Lowry, boss Beale said: “There are areas of his game that are outstanding for a young player and there are areas I’d like to see him improve. I need to pick and choose the right moments for him to go in.
“When he goes in, I expect him to go in and stay in – and be at this club for the long term and be one of the leaders moving forward.
“Everyone talks about experience and this is the area where I have loads of experience. Alex is not too far away. His team-mates will pick him.
“When he comes to see me, as he will do from time to time - and say “gaffer, when am I getting my chance?” – it’s “would your team-mates pick you?
“It’s a big thing for a young player. Training every day, they have to earn the right from their team-mates as well.
“Alex is really heading in the right direction. He hasn’t played much this season under the previous management team but, for me, he is the future of Rangers.
“In time, when the group settles, you’ll see more of Alex Lowry. But only if he deserves it. And the place he shows he deserves it is every day in training."
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