THE Rangers Youth Development Company have handed over £175,000 to Rangers to help the next generation of Ibrox stars on the road to first team glory.

More than £7million has been invested into the Academy system at Murray Park from the RYDC in the last 15 years and the support of fans has now allowed more cash to be presented to the Auchenhowie staff.

Last year, John Greig, the Greatest Ever Ranger, pledged his support to the RYDC by joining the board and the logo of the company is on the strips of all Light Blues youth teams up to Under-17 level.

Glasgow Times: Rangers legend John Greig promotes the RYDC

Head of Academy Craig Mulholland has lofty ambitions for the Gers as he looks to produce players capable of forcing their way into Mark Warburton’s squad and playing at the top level at home and abroad in years to come.

And he is delighted to have received further backing from the RYDC to help the Murray Park protégés continue their development.

Mulholland said: “The Rangers Youth Development Company has supported the Academy since 1962 and we are thrilled to receive today’s £175,000 donation.

“The support we receive from RYDC, and indeed the backing RYDC receive from our fans, is greatly appreciated and will never be taken for granted.

“RYDC donations help support us in a variety of ways and the changes we have made to the Academy in the last year in terms of ambition, culture and playing style would be possible without the fantastic support.

“We have made great improvements to our environment in areas such as coaching, medical, sports science, analysis and education and welfare and we really are grateful for this continued support as we attempt to fulfil our ambition of becoming one of the top academies in Europe.

Glasgow Times:

“It is very early in our Academy project however we have made good progress so far and working together with Colin (Stewart) and his team there is no doubt we can achieve our ambitious goal.”

Having seen the likes of Allan McGregor, Alan Hutton and Barry Ferguson emerge through the Light Blues ranks in recent years, the Ibrox crowd are now hoping to see more home-grown stars make a name for themselves under boss Warburton.

* Barrie McKay can be the inspiration for the next generation of Rangers kids, says Billy Kirkwood

* Murray Park Under-17 boss Billy Kirkwood: 'We have to build them into a Rangers player so they need to have that desire to be a Rangers player'

* From Rangers legends to future Ibrox stars, lucky Light Blue Colin Stewart is proud to serve his club

* Colin Stewart determined to help Rangers hopefuls on the road to Ibrox glory

Winger Barrie McKay has become one of the key players for the Gers this term and is on the verge of penning a new long-term deal with the Championship leaders.

And RYDC Director of Operations Colin Stewart is confident the latest tranche of cash raised will help some up-and-coming stars make their big breakthrough.

Glasgow Times: Rangers Youth Development Company director Colin Stewart

He said: “The Rangers Youth Development Company is delighted to present the Club’s Youth Academy with £175,000.

“We are totally committed to assisting youth development in any way we can and I thank the Rangers fans for their generosity.

“We are humbled by the continued support from the fan base and I know Craig Mulholland and his team will put the money to good use.”