LIAM Burt was today tipped to feature for the Rangers first team next season after catching the eye of new manager Steven Gerrard.

Burt has signed a one year contract extension with the Ibrox club after impressing Gerrard during a 10 day trip to Marbella last month.

The 19-year-old spent the second half of the 2017/18 campaign on loan at Ladbrokes Championship club Dumbarton.

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The midfielder was unable to help keep the part-time club in the second tier, but Sons manager Stevie Aitken became a huge admirer.

Aitken was delighted when he learned that Burt had been handed a new deal by the Premiership club and is hopeful he can play for them under Gerrard next term.

“I always take an interest in any player who has worked with us to see how their career progresses and I was pleased when I heard Liam had signed an extension,” he said.

“It didn’t surprise me. He had a great attitude at Dumbarton. He jumped at the chance to join us. The fact he had worked with Ian Durrant in the past helped us, but he wanted game time as well.

“You could see he wanted to achieve something in the game and I liked that. Ross McCrorie was exactly the same when he was with us.”

Aitken added: “As a player, Liam is very direct, very pacey. Pace is such a big thing in the game these days. If you have got pace you are an asset to any team.

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"He is a very tricky player, a great dribbler. He can take a man on and beat him. That is something not many players do nowadays. But he has that in his locker as well. He has a great temperament.

“Young players can get forgotten about at big clubs, especially when a lot of new players come in. But he has clearly impressed Steven Gerrard. The fact he has caught his eye shows he has kicked on from last season.

“Every young player needs a wee break, needs a manager to like him. But he also needs the ability and the attitude and Liam has got that.

“It will be difficult for him because Rangers are wanting to try and get closer to Celtic. But I thought it was good that the manager took all the kids away on pre-season. Liam has clearly stuck out – with good reason. He is a lively player.

“Players like Liam and Ross came out to Dumbarton and learned the game and that stood them in good stead. They have played against professionals. Liam played in a semi-final and final last season.

"That will help him kick on and hopefully next season he can make some first team appearances for Rangers under Steven Gerrard.”