Fraser Aird

PLAYER PROFILE: FRASER AIRD

By: PXI STAFF (@ProspectXI)

Position: Defender/Midfielder
Primary Role: Full Back
Height: 5’7”
Weight: 154
DOB: 2/2/1995
Nationality: Canada
Preferred Footed: Right
Club: Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS)

Made his senior debut for the Canadian National Team on October 13, 2015 against Ghana.

Signed to Glasgow Rangers (Scotland) currently on loan with the Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS).

2012-2013: Rangers FC (Scottish League Two) – 19 games, 744 minutes, 3 goals, 6 shots on target, 2 yellows
2013-2014: Rangers FC (Scottish League One) – 27 games, 1989 minutes, 5 goals, 10 assists, 25 shots on target, 1 yellow
2014-2015: Rangers FC (Scottish Championship) – 13 games, 838 minutes, 1 goal, 3 assists, 6 shots on target
2015-2016: Rangers FC (Scottish Championship) – 3 games, 39 minutes, 1 assist

Fraser was born in Toronto, Canada and excelled in youth soccer with Markham Soccer Club in the OYSL and being called in the Canadian U-15 team. Aird elected to try out for Glasgow Rangers Academy as his parents are Scottish. Aird made the team, played with the Rangers Academy team for the 2011-2012 season, was called into the Scottish U-17 team and played in the 2012 UEFA U-17 qualifying campaign.

Aird made his first team debut with Rangers in the 2012-2013 season, who were relegated to League Two and played in 19 games scoring three goals. Aird’s best season with Rangers was in 2013-2014, where Aird played in 27 games scoring five goals and adding 10 assists helping the club win the League One championship. Aird played less of role with Rangers in the Scottish Championship, combining for 16 games the last two seasons scoring a goal and adding four assists.

Aird was loaned out the Vancouver Whitecaps for the full 2016 season and Head Coach Carl Robinson said “We are delighted to bring Fraser into our club. He is a bright young Canadian talent with great energy in his play and great character. Fraser can play a variety of positions but we’ll be looking for him to compete at right back area.”  Aird’s main strength is his speed and movement, but the fact he is comfortable playing in a more offensive role adds a dimension that most MLS full backs don’t have. His defending is the main issue, especially his 1v1 marking. Aird is strong for his size, but at 5’7 don’t expect him to have a major influence defending in the box and instead might be used to defend the outside shooter or lead a break on a clearance.

+ Played for Canada U-15 Youth National Team
+ Played four years with Glasgow Rangers in Scottish Football
+ Won the Scottish League Two and League One Championship
+ Made Senior International debut with Canada in 2015
+ On season loan in 2016 with Vancouver (MLS)