Cameron spent two seasons working under Docherty (Image: Ross Parker – SNS Group)

Docherty is the best person to judge Cameron’s trajectory. Cameron, who signed a pre-contract with Rangers in January, joins the club after only two seasons in the top division. The Scotland Under-21 midfielder faced criticism as Dundee fought to stay in the division, with some asking whether his heart was still in the fight with a transfer approaching, but his management never doubted him. Docherty’s optimism was rewarded with a streak of good performances and 21 goals during the season.

Reflecting on his final months at Dens after the Rangers deal was done, Docherty says: “It may have been difficult for a number of players, especially young players, but with Lyall and the bond we had, I never doubted that he would give his all for Dundee. And he did, right up until the last game, the last kick of the ball [when he scored twice at St Johnstone to secure Ross County’s relegation play-off position on the final day]. It was really vital to him to go in the correct manner. That speaks volumes about his character, and in my opinion, it’s why he’ll go to the top. He’s got natural talent, but also the mentality he showed in abundance, especially in that situation.”

Under former recruitment director Nils Koppen, Rangers adopted a policy of signing one Scottish Premiership player each year to supplement their homegrown UEFA quota and prevent missing out on local talent available at a reasonable cost. Cameron, like Aberdeen’s Connor Barron the year before, will face a tribunal cost, but Docherty feels it will be well spent.

“I think what distinguishes Lyall is what I noticed right away: his ability to make the final pass or take the final shot. Lyall excels in the last third, playing towards goal, and for me, that’s when the finest players make their decisions. “When faced with these scenarios, many players panic and make poor decisions. Lyall has always made the correct option, nine times out of ten in my experience. It may have been a shot or a pass. That’s an unusual characteristic in a young player.

Technically, he’s really gifted and could easily play any of the midfield positions. But his strength for me, and the reason why he’s attracted suitors, is because of his numbers. His numbers in terms of assists and goals are down to his ability in that final third. That’s what every team is looking for, and for me, that is his biggest strength.”

Rangers’ squad still requires major improvement this summer, and one feature they lack is technical players who can also cover distance in the final third. Given his output, some have compared Cameron to Scott Arfield, who is notorious for his box-crashing runs. Docherty sees the two as distinct. “He’s a naturally gifted football player with a great mindset. “He works hard every day to improve,” Docherty says of Cameron’s instincts in the final third. “He has a natural talent for football. He has a great attitude and works hard every day to make the most of his opportunities.

“Scott Arfield was more of a guy who rushed into the box and got on the end of things. I believe Lyall is the type of player who can make things happen for himself; he can supply the pass for an assist. Lyall has a talent, and because of the type of boy he is, he makes the most of it. “He’s the fittest player I’ve worked with. Last year, during the bleep test, we ran out of tape, and he flew through it. I’m being serious. I’ve never seen anything like it before, and he could have continued going. That is due to his unwavering determination every day. He dedicates himself to football, food, diet, sleep, and lifestyle.

Cameron ended strongly at his hometown club Dundee (Image: SNS Group)

“He’s also incredibly robust. Lyall has always had a point to prove because he is a little player. He’s quite devoted on that front; he knows he has to do it and will probably have to work harder. And the result of that is what you see on game day: he is tremendously strong. He’s intellectual as well as a footballer, but he’s intelligent enough to recognise that there are still parts of his game that he can develop on, which he will undoubtedly do given the type of character he is.” So, what does Docherty believe Cameron will need to work on at Rangers? As the player has previously stated, it will be a significant improvement over Dens Park.

“He simply needs to continue doing what he’s doing. Perhaps he can improve without the ball, in one-on-one situations. Perhaps more of the ‘ugly’ aspects of the game. It’s not about physicality or second balls; it’s about anticipating and getting to the break before your opponent. I’ve already seen him improve on it. “If you asked him what he believes he needs to work on, I’m sure he’d have a few ideas. He’s at this level because of his talent and determination, and the Rangers’ coaching staff will recognise those qualities as well. New Rangers head coach Russell Martin will spend the preseason experimenting with ideas, and Cameron Docherty says, is a versatile midfielder who can play off the right on his stronger foot or cut in from the left.

“When he and Luke McCowan played together, Luke would be on the right and Lyall on the left, allowing them to cut inside with their preferred feet.” They enjoyed it. Lyall is such a fantastic footballer that I even put him in the holding position. He can play as a No. 6, 8, or 10, although he performs best near the goal. That is what separates him. “He has that composure, the ultimate decision, the final pass, and the final shot. His favoured position was as a No.8 on the left side of central midfield, making forward runs into those half spaces. He’s a really bright footballer who can adapt to a variety of scenarios.” When asked for a favourite recollection from their time working together, Docherty responds immediately.

“The goal that stands out for me is the one he scored last season against St Johnstone, when he chipped [Dimitar] Mitov.

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