WHICH young Scottish players can we expect to make their mark on the game in 2017? Here are The National’s Five to Watch, chosen by Derek Miller.
Anthony Ralston (Celtic)
The 18-year-old right-back is highly rated by Brendan Rodgers, who gave the youngster a new three-year deal in one of his first acts as manager at Parkhead last summer. Ralston has had limited first-team chances but with Celtic romping clear at the top of the Ladbrokes Premiership there should be more opportunities to impress.
Liam Burt (Rangers)
The 17-year-old playmaker and Scotland under-21 international was picked up by the Rangers Academy after being released by Celtic. He has already impressed manager Mark Warburton with his displays for the under-20s side and has been rewarded with a handful of top-team appearances.
Dario Zanatta (Hearts)
The 19-year-old Canadian midfielder burst on to the scene last season when he made a string of first-team appearances, including three starts, under Robbie Neilson. Zanatta is back at Tynecastle after a loan spell at Queen’s Park and could be ready to make an impact under new head coach Ian Cathro.
Tony Gallacher (Falkirk)
Left-back Gallacher, 17, has been watched by Manchester United, Stoke and Rangers in recent months. He made his first-team debut when he was 16 and was recently withdrawn from a Scotland Under-19s squad because Peter Houston wanted to give him further exposure to senior football.
Ronan Hughes (Hamilton)
Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham, Everton and West Ham are all keeping tabs on midfielder Hughes, 18, who has made three appearances for Martin Canning’s first team this season.
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