Zak Rudden netted 12 goals last season and was one of few bright sparks in what was a dismal season for Falkirk as they were relegated to League One.

Rudden scored over twice as many goals in the Championship as the next closest striker under 21 last season and after such a productive spell, it is absolutely essential at this stage of his development that he continues to get regular playing time.

That is however unlikely to come at Rangers at the moment therefore it is in his best interests to look for a move elsewhere.

With just a year left to run on his contract, the Scotland youth international needs to be playing if he is to stand any chance of winning another contract at Ibrox. Having had a taste of first-team football, it is highly unlikely that he will be willing to settle for youth football again.

There are three clubs in the Premiership alone who could do with some more striking talent and they could do far worse than adding the 19-year-old to their ranks.

Livingston

Livingston have just two strikers currently on their books in the shape of Lyndon Dykes and veteran Lee Miller and adding Rudden to their ranks would certainly be a wise move.

In recent years Livingston have proved to be a real springboard for several players and Rudden could well follow in the footsteps of former Rangers teammate Ryan Hardie who used his spell in Midlothian to earn a move down south.

St Johnstone

Tommy Wright’s side are crying out for someone with goals in them and Rudden has certainly shown he knows where the goal is, albeit a division lower.

The McDiarmid park outfit have been linked with moves for former striker Stevie May and Kane Hemmings but should they miss out on one or even both, they should certainly take a look at Rudden.

Kilmarnock

Kilmarnock have made just three additions to their squad over the Summer – the least in the entire SPFL – and if they want to come anywhere close to repeating last year’s success they need to make some further additions.

Eamonn Brophy and Innes Cameron are Killie’s only striking options at the moment meaning they are certainly needing another option.

Angelo Alessio has favoured a system with one striker since arriving at Rugby Park so Rudden wouldn’t be guaranteed a start, at least at striker. His arrival could however lead to Alessio changing his tactics up.

What kind of player is Rudden?

The Scotland youth international was likened to Ally McCoist by his manager at Falkirk, Ray McKinnon, and whilst he certainly has a long way to go before coming anywhere near close to McCoist, there is one major similarity in that he is a goalscorer.

He is best inside the box where he can score with either foot or with his head and as his goal against Dunfermline Athletic showed, he is also capable of scoring from range.

As the below video highlights, Rudden is not a player who gets all too involved in the build-up but get him the ball and he will get you goals.

PureFitbaw asked @rfcyouthupdates for their views on what they think the future holds for Rudden.

“With the club extending Zak’s contract over the summer it would suggest they feel he has a future at the football club.

“Currently returning from injury, Zak showed during his spell at Falkirk that he can do a job at Championship level but I believe the club would like to send him to a club in the top flight if possible once he gets back to full fitness.”

Regardless of what happens with Rudden this Summer, the future sure promises to bright for him.