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Kyle Glasgow knew the environment he was walking into when he joined Alloa Athletic on a co-operation loan over the summer.
League One is unforgiving for even the most hardened of professionals but especially so for a 16-year-old taking his first steps into senior football.
Indeed, it is easy to forget Glasgow only signed professional terms at Rangers in February and it remains a rare dynamic in Scotland that a player embarks on a loan move before they are even of age to undertake a driving test.
However, Glasgow has bucked that trend this season and Kyle’s early impact in Clackmannanshire, where the academy enjoyed success with several loanees last season through the co-operation loan system, certainly shows he’s ready to roll up his sleeves and relish the challenge.
Glasgow, who has just been called into the Scotland Under-21 squad for the first time, said: “It’s a good group of lads at Alloa.
“I’m getting the exposure that I need to take my career to the next level and hopefully push on to the first team at Rangers one day.
“I like the supporters aspect. It’s always a good atmosphere and it’s competitive. We’re always playing for something every game.
“It’s great to play against and with players who have had good careers. It’s a real test for a young player like myself.
“The fans have been good with me so far. They get behind me and the team and I just need to keep rewarding them with good performances and wins.
“You need to be consistent every single week. It’s important you bring numbers, goals and assists and you make an impact.
“The defenders [in League One] are streetwise. They’re aggressive against you but I think I’ve dealt with it quite well.
“There are always going to be players trying to kick me but I just need to get on with it, play my game and give a bit back sometimes.
“I need to show them I’m not a wee boy playing in League One because it’s going to continue to happen in years to come. I always need to be on my toes as there’s always something happening.
“I know there are boys who are a lot more developed in academy football so I always knew I had that side to my game.”
As is the case for the academy players currently on loan at part-time outfits, Glasgow follows a schedule where he reports for physical work during the day at the Rangers Training Centre before heading out to train with his loan club twice weekly in the evenings.
It provides the best of both worlds for young players as they can maintain their contact with the first team at Rangers while also gaining valuable senior experience out on loan.
He continued: “I come through to Rangers on a Tuesday and Thursday during the day then I’m through at Alloa in the evening.
“It was tough at first but I’m getting used to it now. It’s key that I’m getting that physical development in the gym here while also training with Alloa.
“I needed to adapt a bit because it’s a part-time dressing room but we all share the same passion about football.
“There are some really experienced players at Alloa too so you can take advice from them. There’s been a few boys who have helped me already.
“Stefan Scougall is the one who takes me through in the car school but he also gives me good advice before the game and what to expect from the different teams in the league.”
Glasgow netted his first professional goal in the Premier Sports Cup group stages in July and his early form has continued into the opening month of the league campaign.
He has been a regular fixture in the starting lineup under manager Andy Graham at a side who only narrowly missed promotion to the Scottish Championship last season.
Crucially for Kyle, he has also trained regularly with Derek McInnes’ squad back in Milngavie and he admits the manager has been keeping a close eye on his development in the third tier.
He added: “The gaffer has been good with me. He’s given me some advice and pushes me on to be my best in training.
“It’s important that I try to catch his eye every time I get the privilege to train with the first team.
“The loan was pre-planned but the manager spoke to me about it and he’s been keeping an eye on it.
“He says I’m doing quite well so far but it’s important I keep on working, likewise all the coaching staff who have been very good with me.
“The more that I’ve trained with the first team at Rangers the more I’ve been able to go and show my talent.
“I never want to be there just to make up the numbers; I want to show I can play for Rangers.
“The lads in the first team have also been really welcoming with me. I just look at someone like Cammy Devlin who is such a hard worker and he’s constantly giving 100% every training session.
“There is Shankland too who is a leader in the group and he makes sure everyone is giving everything in training.”
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