Boyhood Rangers fan Cole McKinnon has had some week after he was involved in the pre-Europa League final photoshoot during the week before he made a goalscoring debut in this afternoon’s win over Hearts at Tynecastle – and now he hopes he’s done enough to be part of Gio van Bronckhorst’s squad in Seville.
The teenager was one of seven Academy players on the pitch at the end of the game in the capital as he joined Alex Lowry, Leon King, Adam Devine, Ross McCausland, Charlie McCann and Tony Weston in making the step up from the B team to Gio van Bronckhorst’s senior side.
After his impressive appearance from the bench, McKinnon thanked three key figures at Ibrox as he confessed scoring infront of the Rangers fans was ‘just amazing.’
“It’s the best feeling ever as well as getting the chance to celebrate in front of the travelling fans just amazing,” McKinnon told Rangers TV.
“I’d like to thank the boss, Craig (Mulholland) and Ross (Wilson) for giving me this opportunity. I started off with the ‘B’ team and we had a friendly at Ibrox but I was told I wasn’t playing as I was involved today.
“I got my chance and I think I’ve taken it well so I’m just buzzing. It’s the best feeling ever and Wednesday is a chance for the club to make history and to be a part of that is amazing and hopefully, I get the chance to travel out.
“I always had the motivation to be pushing on to get to where I am just now and getting to play with the team in front of the fans gives you that little bit more and I can’t wait to get back in next season and see where it takes me.
“The ‘B’ team were in the Lowland League which has helped me develop a lot, getting that exposure to men’s football.”
McKinnon could play his way into first-team spot next season at Rangers
While there is a growing clamour for Alex Lowry to be a regular part of the first-team next season, McKinnon will feel he can force his way into Gio van Bronckhorst’s short-term plans.
A loan move away from Ibrox could happen for the midfielder but the midfielder’s performances for Rangers B before his debut this afternoon have been hugely promising.
Van Bronckhorst will want the chance to look closely at the midfielder before deciding where his immediate future lies – but he may well find himself in the first-team picture next season.