Rangers academy coach Billy Kirkwood says that a big salary likely enticed Billy Gilmour to quit the Gers for Premier League champions Chelsea.
The 16-year-old midfielder turned out for Rangers' academy teams and was highly rated at Ibrox, with the Gers working hard to convince him of a path to the first team and to stay at the club.
But Rangers failed, with Gilmour opting not to sign a professional contract at Rangers and instead choosing to head south of the border to pen a deal with Chelsea.
Giilmour, who signed a professional contract with Chelsea when he turned 16, is part of the Blues' Under-18s squad.
Rangers had been desperate to keep Gilmour, but Kirkwood admits they could not compete with the riches on offer at Stamford Bridge.
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However, he insists Rangers do not always have to lose their top talents..
"Billy was probably enticed by London and a big salary but lots of former players have come through and stayed – Allan McGregor, Barry Ferguson etc and they can forge a good career here", Kirkwood said in a Twitter Q&A.
And Kirkwood believes that Ross McCrorie shows the pathway available into the first team.
"It is difficult to compete with English premiership wages – when you stay at Rangers you want the players to be a fixture and regular in the team.
"Playing 300 plus games for Rangers. Ross McCrorie is a good example just now – he is settled and playing", he added.
