The lowdown on the man making the headlines north of the border with title-chasing Rangers
The lowdown from IMScouting.com on the man making the headlines north of the border with title-chasing Rangers.
Nicknamed “the Scottish Wayne Rooney,” John Fleck, 17, has already made a major impact in The SPL, appearing on the left wing for Rangers in recent games and could be the next big star to come out the Scottish game.
The young striker is the nephew of former Scottish international Robert Fleck who played for Rangers, Norwich and Chelsea.
Scouts in Scotland claim that the 6ft striker is "a player of massive promise despite his tender years. Direct running, powerful style and extreme confidence have earned him comparisons to Wayne Rooney.
"He has been a regular for Rangers' Under-19s and made his first team debut at 15 on a pre-season tour to Germany in 2007."
Fleck is well developed for his age, not quite as much as Rooney was at the same age but he is a strong boy.
In a short time, Fleck has made some high profile appearances in Scottish football. He played a starring role in the Scottish Youth Cup final last season. And also became the youngest British player to play in a senior cup final when he came on as a substitute in the 2007/2008 Scottish Cup win over Queen of the South.
This season has seen Fleck make his major breakthrough under Walter Smith. He was named man of the match on his full Rangers debut against Falkirk, it was reported in the English press that Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson sent his brother Martin, one of his most trusted scouts, to watch Fleck in his next appearance, the 0-0 draw with Aberdeen.
The left-footed youngster confirmed his growing reputation in his third game against Dundee United as he won the penalty and then converted it in the 78th minute of the 2-0 home victory. Fleck was again named man of the match for this display, capping two highly impressive performances in just three games.
Fleck has made two further appearances for Rangers in the SPL this season. Fleck played 59 minutes of the Old Firm derby and was largely passed-by in a frenetic game lacking in quality football. He then played 69 minutes in Rangers’ 3-1 home win over Kilmarnock.
In recent weeks, calls have begun to grow for Fleck to be included in the Scotland national team that faces Holland at the end of the month in a crucial World Cup qualifier.
Manager George Burley said: "I'm very excited about young John. I've spoken to Rangers manager Walter Smith about him a couple of times and Walter thinks he's going to be a top-class player.”
Burley added: "There's no doubt he is an exceptional talent at 17. I have always said if you're good enough you're old enough and that's something I will be looking very closely at in the coming months.”
For those of us eager to see how far John Fleck can progress, the Group 9 game in Holland on March 9, 2009 could give us some real evidence of just how good “the Scottish Wayne Rooney” really is.
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