Rangers star clutches Europa League runners-up medal as incredible journey ends in shootout pain in Seville

Rangers midfielder Alex Lowry got a taste of a European final occasion last night, but the Uddingston teen was left gutted as he collected a silver medal in sweltering Seville.

The 18-year-old was an unused substitute for Gio van Bronckhorst's side and could only look on from the bench as Rangers lost on penalties to German side Eintracht Frankfurt.

Lowry and his team-mates walked past the famous trophy to collect their runners-up awards and the former Braidhurst High School pupil was pictured clutching his medal, wondering what might have been at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

But it has been an incredible journey for Lowry, who has been with the squad almost every step of the way, despite not making a European appearance.

In August he was turning out for Rangers B against East Kilbride in the Lowland League, but he now has the experience of being part of a squad at a major European final to call upon as he prepares to take the next step in his Ibrox career.

On top of that, he has fitted in seamlessly to the first-team squad in recent Scottish Premiership clashes and won man of the match prizes in league wins over Ross County and Hearts, as well as scoring against the Jambos in a 3-1 league win last weekend.

A place in Saturday's Scottish Cup final with Hearts could now beckon for Lowry. The energy-sapping clash in Spain will have taked a lot out of the squad, who now face a return trip to Glasgow and a quick turnaround for the Hampden showpice.

Earlier this week, Rangers legend Barry Ferguson reckoned the youngster would gain a lot from his time with the squad on such a huge occasion.

Ferguson said: "He's got the chance now to be in Seville and sample all that comes with such a huge game.

"Whether he's involved or