Despite the loss, Academy spokesperson Ross Wilson told Heraldsport that he was still more than happy with his young charges.

"We were disappointed to lose the game, but it was a good performance and a draw would have definitely been a fair result," he said.

"Over the course of the game we had the better chances but just didn't manage to take them and ended up losing a really scrappy goal from a free-kick.

"At the end I think the reaction of the Rangers bench said it all. They knew they had been in a very hard match and were delighted to have won.

"If you asked them they would have probably admitted that they only deserved one point as well."

But Ross was still able to find plenty of positives from the performance. He went on: "I think we really missed Paul Sludden up front as he is a big performer for us, but Blair Young played very well and Scott Davidson, who is only 16, made a great impact when he came on.

"And, at the back, I felt the two central defenders, Paul McLean and Kieran Stallard, were excellent.

"Overall we passed the ball very well and, at times, put a lot of pressure on the Rangers defence. And, while the result may be disappointing, I was pleased with the way the boys played – it will also be good for their continuing development."

The U13s and U14s, meanwhile, spent a successful few days in Donegal, Ireland, last weekend. The young Bairns played two matches against local opposition, with the U14s' Craig Sibbald picking up the player of the day trophy on Saturday (see picture on right).

"All the players thoroughly enjoyed the weekend and I was particuarly thrilled for young Craig," said Ross

"He came back from a horrendous injury and for a while last season he found it difficult, but he got there and has returned a stronger player as a result."

As reported last week in Heraldsport, Academy staff were running the rule over two new possible signings, but Ross revealed that both will not be offered deals.

"We had an American youngster over but have not decided to give him a contract," he added. "However, we are looking into the possibility of him applying for the Craig Gowans scholarship programme at Stirling University. We had a look at an Austrian internationalist as well, but have decided not to offer him a deal either.

"This week, though, we have a Canadian goalkeeper with us and he will turn out for the under-17s and a decision will be based on that."

Tomorrow (Friday) the U19s will head to Edinburgh to take on Hibernian. Kick-off is at 1 p.m. The rest of the Academy teams play Celtic over the weekend.