CHRIS BURKE was promoted to the Rangers top team in the summer of 2003 and to say that he has made the most of the opportunity is an understatement.

The tricky winger played in 26 games, scoring four goals, and was also voted the club's Young Player of the Year in his first full campaign in the top team squad.

The youngster, whose style has been compared to that of Willie Henderson, is one of the most exciting prospects at the club and great things are expected of him.

He joined Rangers in 2000 after choosing to sign for the Ibrox side ahead of Celtic, with whom he had also been training.

The Light Blues also fought off stiff competition from Premiership clubs, including Arsenal, to secure Burke's talents which is an indication as to how highly they regard him.

After showing signs of his exceptional ability in bursts throughout his first season Burke was told his consistency must improve if he was to seriously challenge the older players.

He had no hesitation in taking this advice and soon became one of the most influential figures within the youth ranks.

Down the right flank the youngster proved to be a real danger for the Light Blues and his excellent skill, trickery and eye for goal brought him to the attention of Alex McLeish.

Burke then exploded onto the first team scene in season 2001/2002 and marked his debut against Kilmarnock with a goal.

He was then promoted to the first team squad for the 2003/04 campaign after impressing during the club's pre-season training trip to Germany.

For the first time since Brian Laudrup's spell at Ibrox, there was someone in the side who gets supporters off their seats and he looked certain to be a key player for Rangers in years to come.

A virus picked up on the first game of last season away to Aberdeen limited his appearances in 2004/05 but, after a prolonged convalescence, he bounced back in style.

The 2005/06 season was to be Burke's best in a Light Blue jersey and his performances, both domestically and in the club's run to the last 16 of the Champions League, were outstanding.

Chris picked up the club's Player of the Year award at the end of a fantastic campaign and things were to only get better for the talented youngster when he helped Scotland lift the Kirin Cup in Japan.

Burkey made his international debut in the 5-1 hammering of Bulgaria and found the net twice after coming on as a second-half substitute. He then came off the bench again to face hosts Japan and has hopefully did enough to secure a place in Walter Smith's squad in the future.