Ayr United fans have raved about Stephen Kelly after the loanee signalled his return to Rangers with a farewell post on Twitter.
The 20-year-old joined the Honest Men at the start of the season, looking to gain senior experience in the second tier of Scottish football and he impressed at Somerset Park.
He netted his first professional goal during a League Cup fixture against Stranraer in July and quickly became a permanent fixture in midfield.
Even after Ian McCall left the club to take over as Partick Thistle manager in September, Kelly continued to star under new boss Mark Kerr.
He went on to make 33 appearances in all competitions scoring six times in what was one of the most successful loan spells of any Gers player this season.
Ayr were sitting fourth in the Championship and therefore in line for a playoff spot before the season was brought to an early end amid the global health crisis.
The decision to bring the season to a close deprived Kelly of the chance to say farewell to the fans on the pitch, so he has taken to social media to thank the club for the opportunity.
‘Would like to thank everyone at Ayr United,” read the tweet. “Loved playing for them this season and wish them all the best for the future.”
He received plenty of praise in response from supporters who were delighted with the quality and application he showed across the campaign.
Here’s a selection of reactions:
