Bolton Wanderers striker Ronan Darcy is reportedly attracting interest from Scottish Premier League side Rangers according to Football Insider. 

Darcy has enjoyed somewhat of a breakthrough season so far this term, with the Bolton academy graduate making six appearances for Bolton in League One so far this campaign, as well as managing to register a first senior goal for the club in a 5-2 loss at fellow League One side Rochdale in the Carabao Cup.

The 18-year-old, who only made his Wanderers debut on the final day of last season against Nottingham Forest, was thrust into Bolton's first team alongside a host of the club's other talented young players during the opening weeks of the season.

He demonstrated glimpses of his potential, but perhaps highlighted that he needs more time to mature as a first-team player before he is given regular starts.

Darcy has been put back into Bolton's youth teams following the club managing to bring in nine players on the last day of the transfer window, which has seen the 18-year-old not feature since Keith Hill's sides 6-1 defeat away to Rotherham United.

Rangers, though, are believed to have sent scouts to watch Ronan and assess his potential ahead of the January transfer window with the Scottish club looking to recruit some talented prospects.

The Verdict

Bolton's youth players performed remarkably during the opening weeks of the season under the pressure of having to help the club fulfil their fixtures until new owners took over and helped recruit more first team players, and one player who slotted into the squad and made an impression was Darcy, who showed signs of his promise in his six league appearances before Hill strengthened his attacking options.

Hill's side will be hoping that they can retain their promising young players and give them time to develop back in their youth sides now that Bolton have built a first team squad, but given the attention they have been given in the opening weeks of the campaign it is perhaps unsurprising to see players like Darcy being linked to other clubs.

Darcy, having had a taste of first-team football, will be motivated to establish himself at first team level but it is important for his development that he is not rushed into the demanding environment of first team football before he is ready.

If Rangers' interest is firmed up with an offer it will be interesting to see how Bolton react and whether they allow the 18-year-old to leave the club.