RANGERS have lost two matches to Celtic at Under-17 and Under-20 level in the last few days but it is important to look at the bigger picture. At the end of the day, the results don’t matter too much.

Yes, it is always nice to win matches and lift silverware but youth development is all about producing players for the first team and having Myles Beerman and David Bates in the squad recently is more important than the Glasgow Cup or Youth Cup.

It is great to win and the kids would have been disappointed to lose the Old Firm games but if they can go on and forge a career at Ibrox then these experiences will have stood them in good stead.

I can remember representing Scotland at Under-15 level and I got picked for a game against Wales. The teacher said ‘well done to the ones that have been selected. But, going on past records over the years, you will be lucky if two players actually make it big’.

He was right. I think I was the only one from that squad that made it.

Teams winning leagues and cups is one thing, but it is about the individuals and getting players through the ranks to the first team.

If you can get one or two through from the youth system every year then the Academy has done its job and Pedro has shown that he will put his faith in the kids if they are good enough.

It is difficult to break through at Rangers but hopefully more kids can make the step up like Bates and Beerman have this season.

That is the dream for the kids that played for the 17s and the 20s in the two finals. Winning the trophies would have been great, but getting players through to the first team is the real success that Rangers want.