Craig Mulholland, head of the Rangers academy, is pleased that the club were awarded ‘elite’ status in the Scottish Football Association’s new academy structure.

The Ibrox club were one of eight teams to be awarded the banding under the SFA’s new flagship initiative, Project Brave.

“We are delighted to have achieved ‘Elite’ status following a rigorous audit by the SFA who examined areas such as strategy and vision, coaching, recruitment, sports science, medicine, analysis, education and welfare and our support functions.

Read more: A knee-jerk managerial appointment could cost cash-strapped Rangers dear - the Ibrox club MUST get the right man in

“Through participation on the working group, Rangers have assisted in shaping Project Brave and we believe that radical change was required to raise the standards in Scottish Football. We are delighted to be playing our part in designing this positive new vision.

“People are unclear on what Project Brave actually is but we believe the changes that will provide the most benefit are: More clearly defined focus on ensuring the Scottish FA and clubs spend the finite resource available on developing the country’s best prospects .

“More ‘best v best’ opportunities for the top young Scottish players with improved competition on a weekly basis. The move to summer football for the under-11’s to under-16’s allowing our players to play on better pitches and in a better climate.

Read more: "Rangers was like a mad woman's breakfast - Ibrox chiefs are right to take their time appointing a new manager"

“The addition of an extra age group at under-16 resulting in a pathway with teams at all age groups from under-11 to under-16 and the introduction of a dual age band at under-18 allowing decisions to be taken on players at a more appropriate stage in their maturation.

“The introduction of alternate game days for 11’s and 12’s, 13s and 14’s, allowing talented players to play up an age group and be challenged more easily.

“Increased criteria for clubs to meet, driving up the standards of Academy provision in Scotland in line with countries such as England, Germany, France, Belgium, etc.

“The possibility to examine ‘colt’ teams at the top end of the pathway to manage the transition from Academy to first team. We welcome these initiatives which will complement our own Academy strategy and ambition.”