Former Rangers prospect Zak Rudden made his Partick Thistle debut in yesterday’s Scottish Cup defeat by Celtic in Firhill but the young striker might have the ideal guy together with him to help mould him before a possible Ibrox reunite in veteran Kenny Miller.
Rudden combined the Jags last week after cutting short a loan spell with Plymouth Argyle although Rangers keep choices on the striker in the long run.
Miller and Rudden have something of a relationship going back several decades, with Miller helping out within Graeme Murty’s coaching team at under-20s games a couple of years back.
Rudden was a crucial part of Murty’s side at the time and worked closely with Miller on different facets of his game as he seemed to force his way to the first-team programs at Ibrox.
Despite being unable to force his way to the side under Steven Gerrard within the previous 18 months — and you can not really blame him with Alfredo Morelos among the very in-form marksmen in Europe just now, the transfer to Thistle could be great for his long-term prospects.
Miller was there and done it all in Scottish football, winning decorations on each side of the Old Firm divide, and has kept himself in wonderful condition after turning 40 last month.
The veteran striker has an enormous amount of experience under his belt and may help Rudden make the transition from promising young striker to one that Rangers are clamouring to bring back over the Clyde.
Rudden obviously has an eye for goal and the striker is a small throwback in his style of play, bringing a more physical style, but still is a bit away from being able to challenge for a spot in the starting XI at Ibrox.
Keeping the choice to re-sign Rudden, later on, proves that there are still substantial hopes for him at Ibrox and, if he does well at Thistle, then he might be back in a blue jersey fairly soon.
