Rod McDonald backs Rod Jnr to star

Former Walsall favourite Rod McDonald believes Stafford Rangers have got a future Premier League star on their hands after taking his son Rod Jnr on loan.

The 18-year-old made his debut in Rangers' last game two weeks ago, a 1-1 draw at Solihull, at the highest level he has made a competitive appearance.

McDonald is expected to keep his place for Saturday's home game against Hinckley, eclipsing the one appearance he made on loan at fellow non-league club Nantwich last year.

The teenage defender has been loaned to Rangers manager Tim Flowers by his former Leicester team-mate and Oldham boss Paul Dickov with the Football League club open to extending his terms, which expire in two weeks.

And proud Dad Rod believes the hurly burly world of the Blue Square North will make a man out of his son, who he believes has the potential to go a long way.

Rod Snr himself played non-league football for the now-defunct Colne Dynamoes before making the grade at Walsall and believes the experience did him no harm at all.

He said: "Rodney can go right to the very top, that's how strongly I believe in him. He's got the ability, but he doesn't realise how good he is.

"I told him he's got to get his feet wet somewhere and there's no better place than the non-league scene.

"The whole idea is that he learns his trade and you never know after that, it's a funny game and things can change.

"I know the management at Stafford Rangers are made up to have him there, because they have heard good things about him, so it's up to Rodney now to prove it.

"A bit of experience in the lower leagues will toughen him up, football at that level makes players grow up quick."

In the current game, Rod Jnr can call on older brother Clayton for advice, who has followed in his father's footsteps to become a first-team regular at Walsall.

The 21-year-old is further up the footballing ladder but had to drop down from Manchester City to get his break, so can empathise with how to make the transition.

Rod Snr believes his sons will work together to make sure they fulfil their potential.

He said: "That can happen, sometimes you have to go down the leagues to come back up, one door closes and another opens. Both of my lads have got talent and something to offer, so I believe in them.

"They are very close, Clayton is Rodney's role model because he is his older brother. There's no competition between each other either, just praise for what they do.

"I am proud as punch of them."