The competition in the Scottish Premiership is certainly heating up. For the longest time now, Celtic have been a dominant force and they scripted history last season by winning a double treble. Their arch-rivals Rangers, meanwhile, are ushering in the dawn of a new era under Steven Gerrard’s guidance.
Since it is his first proper managerial job, people will have their doubts about him but it goes without saying that his activities in the transfer market have been quite encouraging so far.
Ahead of the new season, Scottish top-flight clubs are scurrying around to make new additions to their respective squads. Rangers and Celtic are also busy with the same but it must be noted that there has been an emergence of young talents in the Scottish Premiership lately.
Last season, for example, Kierney Tierney stole the limelight and so did Moussa Dembele. Ahead of the new campaign, here are 3 youngsters could enjoy a breakthrough season.
Ross made his first-team debut back in 2015 but since then, he has hardly featured for Aberdeen. In fact, he spent half of the previous season serving a loan spell at Morton. Now, however, he is back and the talented midfielder should push for a breakthrough.
At 20 years of age, he has all the tools required to succeed and it is just a matter of time before he makes a mark for himself. With the departures of Kenny McLean and Ryan Christie, there will be spots up for grabs, meaning this will be a great opportunity for Ross.
Johnston has been a solid performer for the Scotland U21 side lately. In fact, he scored a spectacular goal against their England counterparts in the recently concluded Toulon Tournament. He has already appeared sporadically for the Celtic first-team but a player of his calibre and potential deserves more.
It won’t be easy for him to make room for himself in Brendan Rodgers’ highly-potent squad but the Hoops have to compete on numerous fronts next season. Hence, Johnston could find himself in the starting XI and when he does, he should grab the opportunity with both hands.
Middleton can play a central role and he is also comfortable on the left-wing. Despite being just 18 years of age, he possesses speed, tenacity and is quite creative as well. In addition to that, his finishing skills are admirable, meaning he could be a dangerous option in the final third.
With a manager like Gerrard at the helm, surely Middleton would fancy his chances of making a solid breakthrough next season. And interestingly enough, Rangers do not have too many quality striking options, meaning Middleton could get a chance sooner rather than later.
