Rangers kid Josh McPake reckons being part of Jermain Defoe’s finishing school can help him make the Ibrox grade.
The Light Blues Academy Player of the Year claimed the Man of the Match award in Thursday night’s SFA Youth Cup win over Celtic on Thursday to underpin his reputation as a future star.
But the 17-year-old revealed he has been doing extra work under the eye of the former England striker at Auchenhowie as well as watching Defoe, right, in action which is making all the difference.
He said: “I have been training with the first team a lot and I have spoken to Jermain a couple of times.
“Sometimes after training he will take me for 10 or 15 minutes and we will do a couple of finishing drills.
“It is good to get around and see the players that you look up to.
"I like Ryan Kent and I watch him closely to get an insight to what he is doing.
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"I watch Jermain as well. The work rate he has, even off the park, is incredible. He never lets anything slip.”
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard was at Hampden to watch his side lift the trophy for the first time in five years and McPake said: “After the game the gaffer came in and shook our hands which was great.
"We know there is a route to progress at the club which is pleasing.”
