Donaghadee youngster Mason Munn has been named in the Rangers squad to take on Celtic in Thursday’s Old Firm showdown.
With Gers’ first-choice goalkeeper Jack Butland unavailable, the chance has opened up for Munn to feature among the matchday panel for the clash at Ibrox.
Liam Kelly gets the nod between the sticks and 18-year-old Northern Ireland youth star Munn is his preferred understudy as Rangers boss Philippe Clement targets an important victory, with his side 14 points behind Celtic ahead of the latest battle of the Glasgow giants.
Teenager Munn, who is the first-choice option for Rangers’ ‘B’ team, is highly rated by Ibrox chiefs and was handed a bumper contract extension until 2028 in June last year.
The former Glentoran Academy product joined the Light Blues in 2022 and has made huge strides since. He is also fully capped at Under-19 level for Northern Ireland.
Munn won the Scottish Youth Cup in his first season at the club and has ambitions of becoming the first-choice stopper for Rangers going forward.
Having also been named on the bench for Gers’ victory over Malmo in Sweden in the Europa League this term, he is firmly on Clement’s radar and sure to savour being amongst the matchday panel for Thursday’s clash.
“It’s a great long-term deal and I’m really happy with it,” Munn, who first learned his craft at Millisle club Abbey Villa, said when he signed that new deal last June.
“When you get that length of contract, it shows the club and manager believe in you which is nice.
“A four-year deal for the club and me is great as it gives both parties security. I’m really happy that I have got it over the line and it’s time to kick on.
“All I can do is work hard and be ready if and when the call comes to play for Rangers. I’m developing all the time and will look to take any chance that comes my way.”