The prospect does not faze the 22-year-old, however, after the rigours of a campaign that have tested everyone in Ally McCoist's squad to the limit both on and off the park.

There can be no guarantees about what shape Rangers will take come the start of the new SPL season, never mind the players that McCoist will have at his disposal for his second term in the dugout.

Players whose contracts are due to expire in the summer will surely move on, while conjecture surrounding the futures of the Gers' most prized assets will continue to circulate as the financially stricken club attempts to find its feet.

It has been an unconventional breakthrough season for Perry who, after making his Rangers debut against LA Galaxy in 2007 and spending time on loan at Oxford United and Falkirk, has established himself as a key part of McCoist's squad.

His chances have been limited due to the more experienced options ahead of him in the pecking order but he has performed admirably in his nine appearances thus far and is eager to prove himself in the long run.

Perry said: "I have got another three years left on my contract after this year. Hopefully there have been some stepping stones made this year and I can continue my progress in the coming years.

"As a young boy, any time you get on the park is a bonus. I am hoping to build on that now.

"You do get that period where you are the young boy coming in but I feel as though I am past that now and I can go and cement my place in the squad.

"I think it is easy to label yourself as the youngster because you then feel that you can get away with it if you don't have a good game. To be honest, I would like to see myself as a part of the squad and as a part of the first team now."

Perry is unlikely to be the only budding bear cub in McCoist's squad next term, with Rangers now more reliant than ever on producing their own players and moulding them into potential Ibrox stars of the future.

Kyle Hutton and John Fleck will return from loan spells with Dunfermline and Blackpool respectively eager to hold down a midfield berth, Jamie Ness will bid to overcome his injury woes to do likewise, while Darren Cole could stake his claim beside Perry in defence.

The latest Murray Park protege to burst onto the big stage is Rhys McCabe, the 19-year-old midfielder, after he starred in the Gers' 3-2 derby triumph over Celtic last month.

His surprise selection was to prove a masterstroke by McCoist and Perry is delighted to see his compatriot getting his chance to impress.

He said: "I grew up with Rhys, although he is a couple of years younger than me.

"He has always shown great ability and he showed his quality during the Celtic game.

"It was unfortunate he got his injury but I am sure he will be back involved quickly.

"As a young kid coming in there, there could be lots of nervous energy and that could take its toll on you.

"He has got a lot of confidence and that showed in the Celtic game, I thought he was one of the best players on the pitch."

The future on the field looks promising for Rangers, then, with a host of talented, home-grown players waiting in the wings for their big moment.

However, the financial situation at Ibrox remains shrouded in uncertainty, with little progress being made to secure the future of the 140-year-old institution.

Two bidders – Singapore tycoon Bill Ng and American businessman Bill Miller – remain at the table but the wait goes on for supporters anxious to see the Craig Whyte era finally brought to an end.

The focus will return to football this weekend when Rangers travel to Tynecastle to face Scottish Cup finalists Hearts and bid for a fourth straight SPL win.

Just five fixtures remain of the most tumultuous campaign in the Gers' history.

And while the wait goes on to see what the future will hold, Perry is keen to look at the here and now and brighten the gloom for the Ibrox legions.

He said: "I don't think a takeover is anything for the players to worry about.

"Obviously, the sooner and the quicker a buyer comes in, that is going to be the best thing for the club.

"As players, our jobs are to perform on the pitch and win football games and that is all the boys have been concentrating on.

"I have always said and we know that, as a Rangers player, you have to go out and win every game you are involved in.

"If we can do that between now and the end of the season then hopefully it will go a bit to making up for what has certainly not been a perfect season.

"It is not something you expect to be involved in as a football player.

"You just want to concentrate on your football and when situations like this come up, it can affect you.

"Hopefully we are moving forward and there can be a positive resolution and we can concentrate on our football again."