John Lundstram in bristling Rangers defence of Malik Tillman as he insists 'top player' has silence doubters

Growing up, John Lundstram played in the same England youth side as Harry Kane, shared an Everton dressing room with John Stones and Ross Barkley and once squared off against a schoolboy Joao Cancelo.

So when the Rangers midfielder says he rates Malik Tillman among the best young talents he’s ever come across, there can be no doubt about how highly this 20-year-old American sits in his estimations. To be fair, there can’t be many sceptics left now when it comes to the ability boasted by this prodigious talent after the Bayern Munich kid’s deadly double on his return to the Ibrox starting line-up sealed victory over Dundee United on Saturday.

Few in reality have really doubted Tillman’s powers to open defences and beat goalkeepers with his graceful poise and balance. However, there have been plenty critics who have queried whether he really has the stomach to succeed in the Old Firm pressure pot.

Think of his anonymous display back at Celtic Park in September where he - and admittedly he wasn’t the only one - did nothing to stop Ange Postecoglou’s side running rampant. Neither did he make much of a mark either during Gers’ catastrophic Champions League campaign.

In fairness, Tillman could use the fact he was half fit ahead of the Viaplay Cup final having picked up a hamstring strain in the build up as an excuse for another ineffective display at Hampden. But as Gers prepare to return to Parkhead next weekend, there will be plenty wondering just which Tillman will turn up in Glasgow’s East End - the magic match-winner or the missing Malik?

Lundstram doesn’t buy those criticisms and made sure he bit back when he was quizzed on Tillman’s talent after Saturday’s 2-0 win over United. He snapped: “It’s all right saying it now,