Rangers have announced a new three-and-a-half year deal for highly-rated youngster Leon King.
And sporting director Ross Wilson has confirmed he will now step up into Gio van Bronckhorst 's first team full-time.
17-year-old King is one of Rangers ' most exciting prospects but his deal was due to expire in the summer.
That led to interest from the Premier League with Steven Gerrard 's Aston Villa circling the centre-back.
But he has now put speculation over his future to rest by penning a long-term contract at Ibrox.
And sporting director Wilson has hinted he could be the solution to Van Bronckhorst's troubles at centre-back by taking on more first-team responsibility.
He told the Rangers website: “Leon is a great kid and one that I’m delighted will continue on his journey at Rangers.
“Over the last couple of seasons Leon has already played in the Rangers first-team and had significant training exposure with our first-team group.
"He’s handled everything that we’ve challenged him with so far, and the support that he’s received across the club to aid his development has been excellent.
“It’s important that every one of our young players at this stage has a clear plan and for Leon he will now move into the first-team group under Giovanni van Bronckhorst on a permanent basis between now and the end of the season.”
