The debut of Bailey Rice had a Roy of the Rovers element to it, that's for sure.
Starring for your country before making your senior debut 24 hours later and making history in the process? That's straight out the Melchester Rovers playbook but it was very much a reality for a 16–year–old who is destined for the top. Rice led out Scotland's U17 side during their comprehensive 7-0 thumping over Switzerland before coming off the bench in Rangers' 3-0 win over Livingston.
And in the process he became the youngest ever player to play in a league match for the club, beating Tom Walsh's previous record by 14 days. Derek Ferguson remains the youngest ever to play in a competitive match for Rangers but that was a League Cup encounter. It's the stuff of dreams, of course, but it's not a major surprise to those who know Rice best. The youngster has long been earmarked as a player of potential distinction and his arrival at senior arrival is an indication of how highly he is valued for both club and country. But what else is there to know? Join Record Sport as we run the rule over Rice and what could come next.
Who is he?
Rice is regarded as one of Scottish football's best young players and that has been evident since his days within the famed Motherwell academy. But he departed in the summer and Rangers weren't the only side keen. Multiple teams watched his rapid rise with Manchester City long-term admirers of his skills. But the move to Ibrox has been a fruitful one – appearances in the Lowland League and Youth League have furthered his development and it led to another major step on Saturday against Livingston.
What has been said about him?
Beale commented on Rice's debut and shared his pride after making his senior debut on a rain-soaked Saturday in West Lothian. The 42-year-old said: "He is only 16 and not often a young boy plays for Scotland in Spain on the Friday afternoon and then comes back to make his debut for Rangers on the Saturday. What a weekend for that young man. It is a pleasing moment for everyone who has worked with him and his family."
But the satisfaction of Michael Beale was in direct contrast to how Motherwell felt when Rice swapped the Steelmen for a chance to prove his worth in Glasgow. Former Well boss Steven Hammell – still in his job within the club's academy – turned to the positives on Rice's exit last summer. Hammell said: “Although it’s disappointing to lose Bailey at this stage of his development, we respect his decision. On the flip side though, we are absolutely delighted that so many of the group we had earmarked for graduation into our professional set-up have placed their trust in us and the pathway we think we can provide to first-team football.
“We have already seen so many of them train and integrate with the first-team squad in the first week of pre-season and that’s something that should not only give them all encouragement, but additional hunger and desire to kick on.”
Where does he play and what does he bring?
Rice's burgeoning potential is obvious and it's boosted by his positional versatility. He can operate both in defence and in multiple midfield roles. But the player himself has himself a couple of role models in Liverpool's Fabinho and Manchester City enforcer Rodri and that hints to a long-term future at the base of a midfield.
The youngster is still developing but already has a stature and presence about him when he's on the pitch. His leadership skills are obvious as he is a strong communicator and thrives wearing the armband for his country at U17 Level.
What next?
Scottish football is littered with teenage stars getting an early appearance and not all have gone on to live up to their early potential, however, Rice appears the type of player who will continue to grow and develop in the coming years. He admits his biggest source of pride before his senior bow was appearing in the UEFA Youth League at the age of 15. But it appears there will be many more signature moments in a career which is only getting started.
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