Weebully
Mar 10 2004, 08:12 AM
Tuesday, 09 March 2004
by Mark Buckingham
Partick Thistle are hoping to fend off interest from England to keep on-loan Rangers midfielder Billy Gibson on a permanent basis.
Gibson has been impressive since joining The Jags in late January after failing to establish himself at Ibrox.
The 22-year-old's displays for the struggling SPL side have already attracted attention south of the border but Partick are determined to retain his services.
Jags co-manager Derek Whyte feels Gibson could be playing in Rangers' first team given his current form but is thankful to have the youngster on his side.
"I believe Billy could definitely be playing in the Rangers first team at the moment but that's Alex McLeish's decision," said Whyte.
"The boy was allowed to leave and that has happened to a lot of Old Firm youngsters who have been unable to make the breakthrough because of the quality of player blocking their path.
"But that has been good news for us because we've got the benefit by having him here.
"I'd like to think we've been good for him as well because we've given him first team football at a time when he needed it.
"His contract is up at the end of the season and although there are a couple of English clubs showing an interest, I am hoping we can come up with a package to keep him here."
Any relation Ross?
Why we letting good young players to leave when all we have is useless 30 somethings. I'd recall the boy and give him his chance.
by Mark Buckingham
Partick Thistle are hoping to fend off interest from England to keep on-loan Rangers midfielder Billy Gibson on a permanent basis.
Gibson has been impressive since joining The Jags in late January after failing to establish himself at Ibrox.
The 22-year-old's displays for the struggling SPL side have already attracted attention south of the border but Partick are determined to retain his services.
Jags co-manager Derek Whyte feels Gibson could be playing in Rangers' first team given his current form but is thankful to have the youngster on his side.
"I believe Billy could definitely be playing in the Rangers first team at the moment but that's Alex McLeish's decision," said Whyte.
"The boy was allowed to leave and that has happened to a lot of Old Firm youngsters who have been unable to make the breakthrough because of the quality of player blocking their path.
"But that has been good news for us because we've got the benefit by having him here.
"I'd like to think we've been good for him as well because we've given him first team football at a time when he needed it.
"His contract is up at the end of the season and although there are a couple of English clubs showing an interest, I am hoping we can come up with a package to keep him here."
Any relation Ross?
Why we letting good young players to leave when all we have is useless 30 somethings. I'd recall the boy and give him his chance.