Exclusive: Hutton tips Gerrard to unleash never-seen Rangers rookie after big development

Alan Hutton has tipped young Rangers defender Lewis Mayo to be fast-tracked into the senior side after Nikola Katic's devastating injury blow.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, the former Gers full-back believes the 20-year-old has the chance to prove to Steven Gerrard he can fill the void left by the Croatian.

Rangers revealed last week that Katic is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury in training, with the player's agent quoted as saying he has suffered cruciate ligament damage.

Hutton believes that the defender's setback could give one of Steven Gerrard's youngsters a break and suggests Mayo could be the one to prosper.

"This is an ideal opportunity to look at the youth set-up and players," Hutton told Football Insider.

"There's been a lot of talk about a lot of the young ones, like Lewis Mayo, coming through and into the squad so it's a great opportunity for himself, he can impress in this short pre-season to force your way through.

"It's up to him, how much does he want it? Go grasp it with both hands and hopefully it'll be enough to force the issue and be in the plans of the manager." 

Mayo has not yet played for the senior side at Ibrox, although he was an unused substitute against both St Joseph's and Stranraer last season.

Gerrard also has the likes of Connor Goldson, Filip Helander and George Edmundson to call upon at centre-back.

In other Rangers news,

it can be REVEALED numerous English clubs are queuing up to sign a winger from Ibrox

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