THE journey has been a remarkable one for Glenn Middleton but two stops stand out on his route from the Rangers youth ranks to the first team.

It was against Valencia back in February that the winger made his first appearance for the Light Blues’ Development Squad following his move from Norwich City just a few days earlier.

Last month, he returned to Spain and announced himself on the Europa League stage as Steven Gerrard’s side earned a draw with Villarreal.

Few – even Middleton himself – would have foreseen the progress he would make in such a short space of time as he has risen to prominence at Ibrox.

The victory over Valencia, clinched thanks to a Zak Rudden penalty, was one of many impressive results the Under-20s secured last term as part of their innovative Games Programme.

The likes of Bayern Munich, FC Copenhagen and Leicester, beaten 6-0 away from home, were also overcome as the Gers kids rose to the increased challenges put in front of them.

And Middleton believes the chance to test himself against his peers from England and abroad has helped him go on and make his mark with Steven Gerrard’s side in recent weeks.

“I think everything adds up when you are travelling to games, like going away to Spain to play Valencia,” he told SportTimes.

“It settles you, so you know what to expect when you are then going away with the first team. You know how to prepare yourself, you are used to being on the flights and in the hotels so it is not a shock to the system. Once you have experienced something before, you know how to deal with it next time.

“I found that transition [into the first team] pretty easy and the boys have been great with me.

“Obviously I knew a few of them from last year when I trained with them but they have all been really welcoming. It is really good to be round there and to see how the players go through their routine every day.”

It was to Middleton that Gerrard turned against Villarreal as Rangers went in search of a second equaliser after Scott Arfield’s strike had only briefly pulled them level.

Within minutes, the 18-year-old had played his part as he set Borna Barisic clear down the left and the Croatian crossed for Kyle Lafferty to earn Rangers a share of the spoils.

Middleton had scored his first goal for his boyhood heroes just days before against Dundee and his fearless performance in the Estadio de la Cerámica was another sign of his progress as well as his potential.

“There is a very good squad there at Under-20s and we played well last year,” he said.

“We have shown that we can beat some of the top teams at that level. It has definitely helped me.

“I played against Spanish defenders, their full-backs were small and nippy and I knew what to expect when I went on against Villarreal. I know what I am capable of so it was a case of focusing on my game.

“I really enjoyed that game. That was the best one.

“The manager didn’t have to say too much because I knew what I had to go on the pitch and do, and that is the same regardless of who we are playing. It is just a case of being direct when I get the opportunity and doing my bit for the team.”

If his first ten games this term are anything to go by, Middleton will be playing his part on an increasingly regular basis for Rangers.

There was an excitement within the walls of Auchenhowie when the Scotland youth internationalist swapped the Canaries for the Bears at the turn of the year.

His stint in the youth ranks may have been brief, but it was the foundation upon which he has built as he has become an integral part of Gerrard’s squad.

“I felt settled at Rangers straight away and everyone – the coaches, the players – makes you feel welcome,” Middleton said. “It was an easy transition to make.

“The Academy is similar to Norwich but the standards here, as a club, are very high and I think that has put me in good stead for going round to the first team.

“You know how important it is to win games here, even at Under-20s. The standards are high in training, games and on and off the pitch. It puts you in the right way for going round to the first team.

“I can tell that all the way through the youth levels when I have watched them. Everyone wants to win. We are doing it in the right way, but at the end of the day you need to be a winner if you want to play for Rangers.”

That first goal against Dundee was followed by two more last week as Middleton marked his maiden start for Rangers with a brace in the Betfred Cup win over Ayr United.

It was a proud moment for him and his family, and no doubt Head of Academy Craig Mulholland and Graeme Murty, who played a key part in securing his services after he fell out of favour at Norwich.

Middleton arrived at Ibrox with big dreams but has been taken aback by how quickly they have become reality this season.

“If you had said that when I first signed here, I wouldn’t have believed you,” he said.

“If you wanted it to go in any way, it would have been like this. It has pretty much been a dream from day one.

“You set your own targets and you want to achieve them but this has surpassed anything I believed would have been possible. Hopefully it continues.

“I have just taken my chance whenever I have got it, whether it has been in training or in games. When you get in, you need to show what you are capable of doing and that takes you to the next level.”

The support of the Academy staff was crucial for Middleton in his first few months at Rangers, while the words of wisdom from boss Gerrard have taken his game up a notch.

Now the forward is determined to repay the Ibrox crowd for their backing as he looks to establish himself as a Light Blues regular this term.

Middleton said: “I am grateful for how the fans have taken to me and it has made it a lot easier because I don’t feel the same pressure going on.

“They have made it really easy to play and I don’t feel any pressure to prove myself because they always give me good receptions and nice comments.

“That makes it easier to just go out there and perform. When I am warming up or on the pitch, they get behind you and it gives that bit more of an edge to perform.”

*Glenn Middleton’s development was aided by the Rangers Youth Development Company and their support for the Rangers Academy.

The young Scot is pictured promoting Rangers Lotto – which costs just £1 to play and is one of the most successful products in RYDC’s growing portfolio.

Since 2002, RYDC profits have been directed to Rangers Football Club’s youth programme - with more than £7.5 million provided in the past 16 years.

For full details on RYDC products – Rangers Lotto, Rangers Pools, Rising Stars, Scratchcards, Stadium Bricks and the Youth Members Club – visit www.rydc.co.uk or call 0141 427 4914.