by Rangers will make major changes to the functioning of their B team as they look to bridge the gap from youth academy to first team.
Following a recent internal meeting, members of the club’s hierarchy have decided that loan deals for players on the fringes of Philippe Clément’s squad will now take priority over B team games.
Nils Koppen, the Scottish Premiership club’s technical director, believes the current system is flawed and is understood to have the support of CEO Patrick Stewart and first-team manager Philippe Clement.
Instead, Koppen wants more young players to break into the first team or go out on loan.
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The decision coincides with the promotion of Bailey Rice to the first-team dressing room on a full-time basis, alongside centre-back Clinton Nsiala, who has impressed in his first three professional starts this month.
Goalkeeper Mason Munn replaced Liam Kelly on the bench following Jack Butland’s injury, while Zak Lovelace was in the squad for Wednesday’s 3-0 win over Aberdeen.
However, it was decided that Robbie Fraser and Cole McKinnon, both 21, would go on loan for the rest of the season. The left-back joined Livingston, the midfielder moved to Ayr United, both in the Scottish Championship.
It is understood further loan deals could follow before the end of the January transfer window.
Rangers B formerly competed in the Lowland League before withdrawing their membership ahead of the 2023/24 season.
The Ibrox side are expected to continue taking part in the Glasgow Cup, a competition they won last month, and the Scottish Challenge Cup, although their squad is likely to be made up more heavily of under-18 players.
