THE taking part has been the most important factor for Daniel Finlayson.

The winning cannot be underestimated, however.

At Under-17 level, it is about progression and development - tactically, mentally and physically - for Finlayson and his team-mates as they look to rise through the ranks and make the grade.

But at a club that demands success and silverware, there must be a desire to win.

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Finlayson skippered the Light Blues side that lifted the Glasgow Cup earlier this month as Old Firm rivals Celtic were beaten 3-0.

A first half brace from Ciaran Dickson and strike from Kai Kennedy after the break earned Brian Gilmour’s side a comfortable and deserved victory at Firhill.

It was a taste of what could come one day at first team level and a night that will inspire the Gers kids.

Finlayson told SportTimes: “It was a great experience for us all to win the Cup against our biggest rivals and it is something that we haven’t done in a while.

“I think it has been four years since we have won it so it was nice to pick up the trophy again and take it back to where it belongs.

“Of course it is about development, that is why we are at the Academy, and the help and support we get from the coaches and the staff is excellent.

“But if you play for Rangers you need to be lifting trophies and winning leagues so hopefully that is what we can do.

“It is different when you are playing for Rangers, there is that pressure and expectation on you to do well, to be successful and to win and that is built into us. That is what you have to do at Rangers, that has to be in you.”

Rangers have invested significant amounts of time and money into the Auchenhowie Academy in recent years as they look to build for a brighter future at Ibrox.

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The Games Programme at Under-20 level has allowed the next generation of Gers a chance to test themselves against their peers from England and abroad and the likes of Benfica, Bayern Munich, Valencia and Leicester were beaten this term.

Finlayson may still be a couple of years, and a couple of steps, away from the Ibrox first team at present.

But the ultimate goal is in sight for the the stopper and those around him.

He said: “We are very grateful as players at the amount of time and effort that are invested into us and, personally, I want to use that help and support I get every single day to make the grade here at Rangers. It would be a dream for me to be playing at Ibrox on a Saturday.

“I think playing European opposition and teams from England has really helped the team and I have been lucky enough to be involved this season.

“I will benefit from being against sides with different styles of play and different characteristics and that is the kind of challenge you need to be exposed to and deal with at Rangers.

“I have been here for seven years. This is my dream and all the hard work that I put in every single day is geared towards being a Rangers player in the future.

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“I dedicate myself to the game and I want to go as far as I can. With the support and help of the staff here, hopefully I can get to the Rangers first team.”

It is not just in the blue of Rangers that Finlayson has aimed to impress over the course of the campaign.

The 17-year-old has represented Scotland at youth level but is also able to turn out for Northern Ireland.

A final decision over his future international career path doesn’t need to be made for some time yet.

For now, Finlayson is relishing the chance to build on his experiences for club and country.

He said: “I have got eligibility through my grandfather.

“It was a decision that I had to make and something I have tried and done well with.

“I have been involved with the 19s squad and I am developing well and looking forward to the future. I am not sure what will happen going forward.

“I am just looking to develop as a player right now. Playing at international level is a great opportunity for me and I can test myself against the best. I want to develop myself as a player and then we will see what happens.”

*Danny Finlayson is pictured promoting the Rangers Youth Development Company and their Rangers Lotto product.

Since 2002 RYDC profits have been directed to Rangers Football Club’s youth programme - with more than £7.5 million provided in the last 16 years. RYDC also donated £250,000 to the Rangers Academy in January.

For full details on their portfolio of products – Rangers Lotto, Rising Stars, Scratchcards, Stadium Bricks and the Youth Members Club - visitwww.rydc.co.uk or call 0141 427 4914.