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Perry inspired by Wilson

Image: Wilson: Admired by Perry

Rangers defender Ross Perry is looking to follow in the footsteps of former team-mate Danny Wilson.

Stopper keen to emulate former colleague's achievements

Ross Perry is looking to follow in the footsteps of former Rangers team-mate Danny Wilson as he aims to impress for club and country. Wilson first appeared in the Ibrox defence as a 17-year-old just over a year ago and won a move to Liverpool in the summer. He then announced his presence at international level by scoring on his debut for the senior Scotland team in Tuesday night's 3-0 triumph over the Faroe Islands at Pittodrie. Fellow centre-back Perry, who impressed for Scotland Under 21s during their 3-1 win over Northern Ireland at Firhill the following evening, has found himself warming the bench for Gers this season as he waits for his chance under manager Walter Smith.

Inspiration

The 20-year-old, who spent time on loan at Oxford last term, admits he takes inspiration from Wilson and looks to match his ex-colleague's achievements. "I'm very close to Danny and it was great to see him getting his opportunity, and obviously to top it off with a goal was great for him," said Perry. "I haven't texted him yet, that is probably bad of me, but he was at the U21s game and I will maybe give him a call. "Obviously Barry Bannan started and Steven Saunders and David Goodwillie came on later against the Faroes so it's great for them and hopefully there will be a chance for us in the future. "I don't know if Danny has cleared a path for me but it shows what can be done. "Danny is an excellent player and it just shows you if you can get an opportunity then take it, see where it can take you. "We need to be ready to take it and I think I am ready." Perry is competing with U21 team-mates John Fleck, Kyle Hutton, Gregg Wylde and Jamie Ness to make an impact on Rangers boss Smith, and accepts his attempts to break into the first team are hindered by the position he plays in. "Walter Smith is starting to sort of bleed us in and guys like Flecky and Kyle Hutton have had their chances," he said. "We are all chomping at the bit to get our opportunity and we need to make sure we take it.
Unfortunate
"The squad is thin, there's not a huge pool of players to choose from so we need to be ready. Maybe I'm a bit unfortunate that our defence is so good. "It's probably Rangers' strongest area with Davie Weir and Madjid Bougherra, and then obviously Andy Webster, Kirk Broadfoot and Sasa Papac can all play centre-half. I might be behind in the line but it's a waiting game. "For his achievements the biggest influence is David Weir but Bougherra is an outstanding player and if I could achieve half of what he has I would be very happy."

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