JORDAN McMILLAN knew he was in at the start of something big.
He was handed a Rangers debut on the same night as Danny Wilson as a 3-1 win at Dundee sent them on their way to the Co-op Cup Final.
It also thrust teenage stopper Wilson into the Ibrox limelight and as he prepares for his maiden Hampden final, McMillan reckons it will be the first of many.
START … Danny Wilson
He said: „I’d like to hope it’s the first of many finals for Danny. He deserves the chance to play in this final and I’m sure he will become accustomed to playing in big games like this.
„He’s been part of the first-team squad for most of the season. He’s not classed as a young boy now. He’s a first-team player.
„He was maybe classed as a kid for the first five or ten games.
„He got the benefit of the doubt from fans. He’s still young and learning the game, but he’s done really well.”
Sunday’s clash with St Mirren will be Wilson’s 19th first-team game of the season.
He has profited from Madjid Bougherra missing out through injury and international duty.
And McMillan insists the 18-year-old has NEVER let Walter Smith down.
He said: „The Champions League game was a big one for Danny.
„He didn’t get the chance to be nervous before the Unirea Urziceni match. It was his European debut but he did great that night.
„The Old Firm game is the biggest for any Rangers player. He played well at Celtic Park.
„But a cup final at Hampden speaks for itself. I’m sure Danny won’t get the jitters because he’s been involved in youth finals at Hampden in the past.
„Danny is a quiet lad. He’s sensible and his feet are well and truly on the ground.
„I’ve met his dad and he’s also a sensible man. He’s got a good head on his shoulders and he helps Danny.”
McMillan reckons the influence of skipper David Weir has also been crucial for Wilson.
Weir, 39, has played alongside the teenager in all but one of his top team outings and they’ll be paired again on Sunday.
McMillan added: „I think it helps that Danny has played with David. He’d help anybody at any age with his experience.
„He’s a top-drawer guy on and off the park. He’s captaining Rangers at this age because of how good a leader he is. Even Madjid has learned a great deal from playing alongside David.
„I’m out of loan at Queen of the South and I’ve not seen much of Danny in the past few weeks.
„But I’ll send him a text or have a chat before the Final and wish him well. I hope Rangers do the business on Sunday and Danny does well.”
Dan can handle the big day
JORDAN McMILLAN knew he was in at the start of something big.
He was handed a Rangers debut on the same night as Danny Wilson as a 3-1 win at Dundee sent them on their way to the Co-op Cup Final.
It also thrust teenage stopper Wilson into the Ibrox limelight and as he prepares for his maiden Hampden final, McMillan reckons it will be the first of many.
START … Danny Wilson
He said: „I’d like to hope it’s the first of many finals for Danny. He deserves the chance to play in this final and I’m sure he will become accustomed to playing in big games like this.
„He’s been part of the first-team squad for most of the season. He’s not classed as a young boy now. He’s a first-team player.
„He was maybe classed as a kid for the first five or ten games.
„He got the benefit of the doubt from fans. He’s still young and learning the game, but he’s done really well.”
Sunday’s clash with St Mirren will be Wilson’s 19th first-team game of the season.
He has profited from Madjid Bougherra missing out through injury and international duty.
And McMillan insists the 18-year-old has NEVER let Walter Smith down.
He said: „The Champions League game was a big one for Danny.
„He didn’t get the chance to be nervous before the Unirea Urziceni match. It was his European debut but he did great that night.
„The Old Firm game is the biggest for any Rangers player. He played well at Celtic Park.
„But a cup final at Hampden speaks for itself. I’m sure Danny won’t get the jitters because he’s been involved in youth finals at Hampden in the past.
„Danny is a quiet lad. He’s sensible and his feet are well and truly on the ground.
„I’ve met his dad and he’s also a sensible man. He’s got a good head on his shoulders and he helps Danny.”
McMillan reckons the influence of skipper David Weir has also been crucial for Wilson.
Weir, 39, has played alongside the teenager in all but one of his top team outings and they’ll be paired again on Sunday.
McMillan added: „I think it helps that Danny has played with David. He’d help anybody at any age with his experience.
„He’s a top-drawer guy on and off the park. He’s captaining Rangers at this age because of how good a leader he is. Even Madjid has learned a great deal from playing alongside David.
„I’m out of loan at Queen of the South and I’ve not seen much of Danny in the past few weeks.
„But I’ll send him a text or have a chat before the Final and wish him well. I hope Rangers do the business on Sunday and Danny does well.”
