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Rangers talent Arran Kerr has hailed first-team coach Steven Smith’s mentorship, stating that he has helped him a great deal as he eyes a debut for the Gers’ senior squad.

The 18-year-old moved on loan to Stirling Albion in the summer, hoping that regular minutes with the senior team would aid his development and help him break into Rangers’ first team, having been with the club since the age of eight.

This season, Kerr has featured 16 times for the Scottish League Two side and has also been called upon in the backline for domestic cup games on three occasions.

He has additionally made six appearances in the Challenge Cup for the Gers B team, playing the full 90 minutes in each match.

Following Russell Martin’s dismissal in October, Smith stepped in as interim manager to steady the ship before later slotting into Danny Rohl’s first-team coaching staff upon the German’s arrival in Govan.

Smith, who has made more than 100 appearances for Rangers, had previously worked with Kerr while coaching the Rangers youth squad.

Reflecting on that period, the 18-year-old credited his growth to the guidance of the 40-year-old, alongside Malky...