Hutton and Wylde keen to seize chance at injury-hit Gers

(REUTERS )

Rangers youngsters Kyle Hutton and Gregg Wylde have stated their intention to make the most of the club's injury crisis by showing manager Walter Smith they are good enough to remain in his plans.

Hutton, 19, was handed his biggest role in the first team so far when he made his Champions League debut from the start against Manchester United last week.

Wylde has also featured more than he thought he would this term, playing the full 90 minutes of the Scottish League Cup quarter-final against Kilmarnock, as well as coming off the bench on a number of occasions.

Hutton was given his chance against United after Kyle Lafferty suffered a broken finger during horseplay with Wylde at Murray Park just hours before kick-off.

Wylde, 19, said: "It was just a wee incident coming off the bus and it was his fault so he can't complain too much. It was hard luck for Kyle with it happening just before the game and I think he was a bit scared about what the gaffer was going to say."

Hutton was more than happy to take advantage of the incident, admitting: "Kyle's misfortune led to me getting a game and these things happen.

"We had a short training session at Murray Park on Wednesday morning. Just after the training session, the gaffer came over and told me I was starting, which was great. There were both nerves and excitement but I was just delighted to be playing.

"It's finally sunk in. It was great getting a start, especially in the Champions League against Manchester United. Just standing there next to the Manchester United players, with the Champions League music playing, it was a great feeling.

"The roar of the crowd was just fantastic. It's something I won't ever forget. I got John O'Shea's top after the game. It's something I'll be happy to keep hold of but I'm not sure he will particularly cherish my top.

"I've had texts and well-wishers and it's good to get support from your family and friends after a big game like that. I was delighted. But nothing's changed, I'll continue to do what I was doing before I played in the game and hopefully I can get another chance."

Hutton, who has also been involved in a handful of games this term, is hoping to use the United match as the springboard for his fledgling career at Rangers.

He said: "I just want to keep going and hopefully keep doing what I'm doing. Hopefully I'll keep getting my chances from the gaffer.

"It's all down to me. If I can take those chances, maybe I can try to break my way in and cement my place.

"The gaffer said I did well in the Manchester United game and I should take a lot of confidence from it. It's not every day you play against Manchester United in the Champions League."

Wylde added: "It's been good to be involved. At the start of the season I didn't think I would be involved throughout the season with the first team. But now that I have been able to break through, hopefully I can get more games.

"I played against Kilmarnock in the League Cup and I've come off the bench a few times this season. We are short of numbers for the first team and hopefully I can get a chance."

Both players were speaking at the launch of the Community Cashback Initiative, which offers all registered youth teams the opportunity to raise money for their clubs and access to reduced price match tickets for Rangers' SPL home games.