Player Profile - Luca Gasparotto
Born in Ontario, Canada, 18 year-old central defender Luca Gasparotto made his Rangers debut during a Scottish Third Division match versus Clyde at Ibrox on 13th April 2013.
With significant injury problems to contend with, manager Ally McCoist named 16 year-old winger Daniel Stoney and Gasparotto on the bench for the first time. Both players would be called into action with Luca replacing Emilson Cribari at half-time. Rangers, already crowned Champions, were leading through a 55th minute goal from skipper Lee McCulloch. Maximum points were secured in the final minutes, Kyle Hutton making it 2-0 against Jim Duffy's side.
His next outing versus Peterhead was less memorable, Rangers slumping to a second home league defeat of the campaign despite McCulloch having once again opened the scoring. Gasparotto would replace another young defender, Chris Hegarty, on this occasion. A further substitute appearance came in the penultimate match of 2012/13 as East Sirlingshire were defeated 4-2 at Ochilview.
On the day that Rangers received the league trophy, Luca made his first start as Berwick Rangers were defeated 1-0 in front over 50,000 fans at Ibrox.
With Rangers continuing to bolster the playing squad whilst moving back up through the leagues, Gasparotto was loaned to Stirling Albion for season 2013/14. A similar arrangement followed in 2014/15, Airdrieonians being the destination on this occasion. A third, and final, loan was agreed with Greenock Morton in time for season 2016/17. Deemed surplus to requirements under new boss Mark Warburton, Luca left the Club permanently in June 2016 and agreed to join Falkirk.
Returning to Canada in 2019, Gasparotto played for Canadian Premier League side York9 but less than two years later decided to retire at the age of just 25 in order to pursue a career outside of professional football.
by Rick Plews
