Smith delighted with Wilson

Smith: Delighted with Wilson

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Rangers boss Walter Smith has expressed his delight at how quickly Danny Wilson has adapted to first-team action.

The 17-year-old made his senior debut in last week's Co-operative Insurance Cup win at Dundee and impressed enough to retain his place for their SPL game against Dundee United.

The talented youngster then partnered David Weir at the heart of Gers' defence in their midweek 1-1 draw away to Unirea Urziceni in the UEFA Champions League.

Wilson impressed again in Romania and Smith believes if he has a career similar to David Narey, the defensive lynchpin of the successful Dundee United team of the 1980s, then he has a bright future ahead of him.

Surprised

"I was surprised, not just by the way Danny Wilson played, but by how he handled the overall situation," admitted Smith.

"He didn't look fazed by it at all and there were no great signs of nervousness in the first few games he has had.

"I was fortunate at Dundee United to have David Narey and he is a similar type of player to him and has a similar attitude.

"If he can have as good a career as David Narey had, then we will all be happy.

"We are delighted by the manner in which he has played. He has shown he has been able to progress from youth football into the first team.

"I was hoping he would get a few games this season and it's looking as though, if he continues to play in the manner he has done, he will get a lot more than I envisaged at the start of the season."