RANGERS youth coach David McCallum believes that Alex Lowry is ready to make a significant impression in the first team at Ibrox this term after impressing for the Colts side last season.

The 19-year-old made seven appearances for the senior side last term, scoring twice, and signed a three-year contract extension earlier in the summer as he committed his future to the Govan outfit.

Rangers B manager McCallum insists he has not been surprised by Lowry making the step up to top-flight football - and he believes other youngsters on the books at Ibrox will take inspiration from the academy graudate's rise.

“Alex has loads of talent and everyone can see the difference he makes in games," McCallum told the Scottish Sun.

“He scored a goal against Hearts in the final league game of the season and he made it look simple — although it was anything but.

“It’s natural and normal for him. He will face challenges in the first team and he has to handle them.

“He has so much ability and it is up to him to stay in the first-team thought process and get more opportunities to play.

“He has to show up well, but not just in games — you have to show it every day.

“Was I surprised by how he handled stepping up? Not at all. He backs himself. It is important you do that — and Alex does.

“Any attacker will turn the ball over but it is about what you do the next time you get it and making sure you have an impact. He wants to create and influence the game in key moments.

“If I’m a young player and seeing others getting a chance it should be a motivation for them.

“We can look at Alex and Leon King, others like Charlie McCann, Adam Devine, Cole McKinnon.  We have boys who have become more prominent.”