STEPHEN HUGHES today admitted he was trying to come to terms with his remarkable rise to the top having started this season simply hoping to get the odd game for Rangers, writes DAVID HARDIE.
He’s not only managed that, but with a CIS Cup winner’s medal already tucked away, the 19-year-old has won a place in Berti Vogts’ first Scotland squad and is dreaming of a cup double by helping Rangers clinch the Tennent’s Scottish Cup in a few week
’s time.
And today he revealed the role former Hibs boss Alex McLeish has played in helping him establish himself as a regular member of the Ibrox first-team squad.
The classy midfield ace said: "I have to admit I still haven’t quite grasped what has happened to me this season.
"At the start of it I was a reserve team player - now I have a CIS Cup winner’s medal, the possibility of a Scottish Cup medal and here I am in Paris with the international squad.
"It’s been quite incredible, I never thought this would happen to me.
"Although I have always had confidence in my ability, I could hardly have imagined I’d have made the breakthrough so quickly."
Hughes paid tribute to the influence McLeish has had on his fledgling career since he defected from Easter Road to breathe new life into Rangers.
He said: "Dick Advocaat gave me my chance but there is no doubt that since Alex McLeish came to the club I’ve grown in confidence.
"He has told me that if I am good enough my age doesn’t matter - I’ll be playing if he believes that is the correct course of action for Rangers.
"That’s a great incentive not only for me but the likes of Maurice Ross who has been called into the Scotland squad and the other youngsters at Ibrox who recognise they’ll get a chance."
Despite his rise to stardom, Hughes realises he does have limitations, not least his slight build - but he fully intends to do something about it.
He said: "I have two years left on my contract at Rangers and I aim to use that time to establish myself as a first-team player and to hopefully get a regular place in the Scotland squad.
"I know I am still learning the game and I know I need to put on a bit of weight.
"I’ll carry on as I am for the moment but during the summer I’ll be in the gym doing weights, I’ll be changing my diet and trying to put some bulk on my bones."
