CALUM GALLAGHER hopes Rangers kids will benefit from the experience of going head-to-head with Hearts' first team protégés.
Gordon Durie's side saw off their Tynecastle counterparts to claim the SFA Youth Cup on penalties on Tuesday night, but while it was a youthful Light Blues line-up, the Jambos had several tried and tested stars on show.
And Gallagher, who broke into the Ibrox first team towards the end of the League One campaign, reckons their experience showed on the night.
He said: "They were the better team for spells, but we dug in and got something from somewhere, it was down to desire. What Hearts have done in terms of their youths speaks for itself.
"The boys they have brought in have been fantastic and, playing against them, they showed a lot more experience and a more mature style of play than some of us.
"At the same time, it is good to see emerging talents at Rangers and we can compete with boys who have already experienced that sort of Premiership level."
After Rangers twice fought back to take the game to extra-time, it was keeper Liam Kelly who emerged as the Light Blues hero.
The Irishman scored from the spot and saved four spot-kicks, the decisive one from opposite number Jordan Millar and Gallagher said: "We knew he would save a few and when he stepped up for the penalty he was as cool as a cucumber. He is an amazing keeper."
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