RANGERS and ORANGE COUNTY SC can announce that the trio of Cammy Palmer, Danny Finlayson and Matthew Shiels will join Orange County Soccer Club on loan. 

The exciting Academy prospects will make the switch to Southern California pending league, federation and P1 approval as part of Rangers partnership with the United Soccer League (USL) Championship side. 

The move will see the youngsters bring their talents to America for the 2020 season, which runs from March until November, in the fastest growing Division II professional football league in the world, comprised of 35 teams across the United States. 

This will be Northern Irish youth international Palmer’s second loan, having spent the first half of this season at Partick Thistle where made 20 appearances during the spell from July to December, scoring one goal. 

Scottish under-19 international full back Shiels has been at Dumbarton for the first part of the 2019/20 campaign where he has made nine appearances in his second loan, after spending time with Edinburgh City during 2017/18. 

Finlayson, also a Northern Irish youth international, will move away from the Gers on loan for the first time. The defender has been a stalwart of the Development Squad, starring in their Challenge Cup run to the semi-finals. 

Rangers Sporting Director Ross Wilson said, “We feel that Danny, Cammy and Matthew will benefit from playing in a competitive and growing league within a challenging new environment whilst playing in front of expectant fans every week. We will track their progress closely.” 

“We wish our three players and Orange County SC the best of luck for the season ahead in the USL. 

Rangers Managing Director Stewart Robertson said, “Today is a significant step for us in our partnership with Orange County as the three academy players head to California for the 2020 USL season. 

“We have a strong support base of Rangers fans in America and we hope to see them heading to support the young players and Orange County, throughout the season. 

“We’d also like to thank Orange County for arranging the first Rangers Fan Night that ambassador Richard Gough will attend and we can’t wait to see how plans for the event will develop.” 

Orange County President of Soccer Operations Oliver Wyss said, “We are delighted to add Matthew, Danny and Cammy to our team as part of our Rangers FC partnership. 

“Our technical staff had a chance to watch and meet the three European Youth Internationals and we could not be more excited to continue their professional development in our structure. 

“This is a historic moment for our club and our fans will be pleased to see the players have an impact on and off the field for Orange County!” 

Orange County’s 14-year old Francis Jacobs, the youngest professional soccer signing in US history, who was one of three players whom the club welcomed to the Hummel Training Centre in December, will also travel with the Gers under-16 team who will compete to defend the prestigious Alkass International Cup that they won last season. 

In addition to the three Gers academy players moving on loan, and Jacobs travelling to Doha with the under-16s, Orange County will host a “Rangers Fan Night” on March 28th. 

The fan night, hosted at the home of Orange County, the 5,200 capacity Championship Soccer Stadium, will be attended by Rangers legendary captain Richard Gough, feature a co-branded premium giveaway and have a host of fan activations that will bring both clubs closer together to celebrate the start of the partnership between the clubs. 

Two special Rangers Fan Night ticket packages are currently being offered which include a ticket to the match, co-branded premium giveaway, a post-game meet-and-greet with current and former Rangers players, and a pre-game, on-pitch warm viewing area. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Orange County SC here, https://fevo.me/37CD95d