Alex Lowry scored a hattrick for Rangers B as he looks to impress first-team boss Michael Beale.

Having made his debut for the Light Blues last season under Giovanni van Bronckhorst, the 19-year-old reminded Beale of the impact he can make amidst speculation of new Ibrox imports this month.

The promising midfielder’s three-goal haul against Civil Service Strollers inspired David McCallum’s young side to a 3-1 victory in Dumbarton as they remain third in the division, level on points with rivals Celtic in second and just one behind Spartans.

And there was no better way to do so than with an emphatic treble to give the young Gers their first win of 2023.

Lowry was given a chance to shine from the start in the first team’s 3-0 win over Motherwell at the end of last month, but he was back in action for the B side last night.

His first strike on the 20th-minute mark was a fine curling effort past the opposition goalkeeper after he had received the ball from the left-hand side and cut in on his right foot to devastating effect.

Rangers B, also fielding defender Leon King who has made a number of senior appearances this season, were soon reduced to ten men when forward Ross McCausland was given his marching orders. The youngster’s tackle was deemed reckless and out of control by referee Steven McDonald.

However, this did not break the stride of the home team as Lowry added his and his team’s second before half-time. The midfielder, who is well thought of at Ibrox, latched onto a loose ball in the final third before beating both defence and goalkeeper to make it 2-0.

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Civil Service Strollers fought their way back into the match straight after the interval, scoring directly from a Euan Valentine inswinging corner-kick to half the deficit.

The visitors started to make the most of their man advantage, but Lowry put the game to bed when he claimed the match ball with a third a minute from time. A fine finish into the far corner from inside the box, he continued his impressive form which has seen him catch the eye of many.

Lowry’s fine performance for the B side comes as Rangers have been linked with moves for fellow midfielders Todd Cantwell and Tom Davies.

Speaking last month about the youngster’s prospects, top team boss Beale said: “I think young Alex is ripe now, I think he's right there at the stage where he can make a breakthrough.

"With that comes a lot of responsibility because he's got to dislodge someone who is a little bit older, a little bit more streetwise and a bit more experienced in the league.”