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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mya Bollan

6 Rangers and Hearts starlets who lit up the Scottish Youth Cup Final as Rory Wilson and Liam McFarlane battle it out

Hampden hosted the Scottish Youth Cup Final on Wednesday night as Rangers took on Hearts.

The under-18 sides battled it out in Glasgow one month before the first team clash between the same two clubs in the Scottish Cup Final.

Heart, lead by former Tynecastle and Ibrox star Steven Naismith, were left disappointed as Rangers lifted the silverware, winning 2-1 after 90 minutes.

Two great goals - both wonderful volleys from Rory Wilson and Darren McInally - made it 2-0 Rangers at half time, with the Light Blues dominating during the first 45.

Hearts keeper Liam McFarlane had somehow kept his side alive with some fantastic saves - denying Wilson and Robbie Ure in the opening few minutes.

Murray Thomas got one back for the Jambos after the break and it was a wonderful strike from distance from the towering striker.

But despite a late push that saw Rangers keeper Jack McConnell twice called into action in the dying stages, it was Gers who held on for a deserved win.

It was a great advert for youth football at Hampden and there were a few stand out performances for both sides - with names you are sure to see breaking throughout to the first team in the coming months and years.

Record Sport have taken a look at six of the hottest prospects

Darren McInally (Rangers)

His volley gave the Jambos keeper absolutely no chance and set the tone for the game ahead.

The youngster's technique for the first goal was hugely impressive as he drilled one in following MacKenzie Strachan's corner.

McInally battles for possession with Mackenzie Kirk and Callum Sandilands (SNS Group / SFA)

He seems composed in front of goal and mature in his positioning off the ball.

He caused several problems for the Jambos' back line with his movement and penetrating runs and appears to have a bright future ahead at Ibrox.

Liam McFarlane (Hearts)

The Hearts keeper kept his side in it for the first 34 minutes, despite constant pressure from the Light Blues.

Hearts under-18s boss Steven Naismith said that his keeper needed to work on getting off his line quicker when speaking prior to the clash.

But he certainly showed he had been listening to his gaffer after his quick feet saw him made two vital back-to-back saves within the first five minutes.

McFarlane was compared to a "young Craig Gordon " by Cammy Bell and Richard Foster who analysed the game at half time.

Definitely one to watch.

Rory Wilson (Rangers)

He might have just turned 16 but he was a stand out during the Hampden clash.

The youngster got his name on the scoresheet with a spectacular one-touch volley to put his side two in front.

Wilson fires home a volley (SNS Group / SFA)

His movement was impressive, peeling away from defenders, making it hugely difficult for his opponents.

The teen certainly looks to have a bit about him, promising to be an exciting up and coming player who is already catching the eye of clubs south of the border.

Finlay Pollock (Hearts)

Already a well-known name on the first-team scene, Pollock showed some determination to push his team forward.

He stood up to the challenge instead of bowing out, despite his side trailing 2-0 at half time.

The 17-year-old showed a great attitude as he was positive in his movements, driving at the Rangers defence at any opportunity.

Currently on loan at East Fife, he's already made an impression under Robbie Neilson and on this showing, there will be more to come in the very near future.

Robbie Ure (Rangers)

While Wilson has been grabbing the headlines for a while now, Ure been knocking on the door with some impressive displays alongside him for the Rangers kids.

Did a good job supporting his strike partner alongside Tyler Pasnik and on another day he'd have had a couple of goals and an assist within the opening five minutes to show for his efforts.

He was denied by impressive Hearts stopper McFarlane on the rebound early on while he also won the ball back and laid one off to create a chance for Wilson which was denied.

Ure was convinced he had his side's second goal moments before Wilson finally doubled their lead but was unlucky to be flagged for offside as he wheeled off to celebrate.

A lively performance from another youngster who looks to have plenty to offer.

Murray Thomas (Hearts)

Penned a professional contract in November and it's easy to see why he's so highly rated at Tynecastle.

It was a tough shift for him up top at times especially in the first half where service was hard to come by.

Thomas fires in for Hearts (SNS Group / SFA)

But he made the most of what he did get, holding the ball up and getting his team up the park when it came his way.

Rewarded with a sensational solo goal as he withstood a number of challenges before shifting to his opposite foot and smashing home.

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