Rangers midfielder Cole McKinnon says he hopes to follow in the footsteps of Ross McCausland and grab his opportunity amid injuries at Ibrox.
The talented young Scotland midfielder has also pledged to Philippe Clement that he’ll even play in goals if he’s asked to this season.
The Ibrox Academy talent has come off the bench for Rangers in the club’s last two matches and was unlucky to see a goal against Hibs ruled out for offside.
Cole McKinnon on Ross McCausland inspiration
Touching on Ross McCausland in a post-match press conference, Cole McKinnon pointed to the young Northern Irishman serving as Ibrox inspiration.
But the 21-year-old has also claimed that the first-team exposure granted to both McCausland and himself is evidence that Rangers manager Philippe Clement takes youth players seriously.
It comes after the Rangers boss described it as his “ambition” to develop youngsters at the club.
“I signed my contract the exact same day as Ross (McCausland),” said McKinnon. “So we’ve been together ever since we both came in full-time.
“It’s nice to see where he is now and hopefully I can follow the steps that he’s took and it’s under the exact same manager where he’s breaking through.
“You can see the manager has his beliefs there and hopefully I can do the same as what he’s done.”
Asked about the belief shown by Philippe Clement in recent matches, McKinnon added: “It shows the belief he has. It was 2-2 in Benfica when I got on and it was only 1-0 here in an edgy game.
“So it shows the belief he has in the younger players, not only myself but the rest of the players in the B Team, if they’re working then they’ll get those opportunities so I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.”
Rangers kid hails Philippe Clement
Cole McKinnon has also been discussing the impact of Philippe Clement on the Rangers squad since coming through the door last year.
Rangers are on course for a domestic treble following the 2-0 Scottish Cup win over Hibs and it’s a scenario which felt unthinkable at the start of the season.
Talking about the impact on the squad and on his game, McKinnon says he’s “thankful” for the chance to work with the Belgian.
“I think everyone he’s been great with,” said McKinnon. “I think as soon as he came in the building there was just a change in mentality with all the players.
“Everyone’s really taken into what he’s trying to do. I know myself, working under him I feel a lot better and he’s just making me a better player in loads of different ways.
“So I have really enjoyed working with him and I’m thankful that I’m around there training and I’m thankful he’s obviously given me these opportunities.
“It’s due to bad reasons with a couple of injuries but you need to take your opportunities when they come so I’m looking forward to Thursday now.”
Cole McKinnon made his Rangers debut in May 2022, scoring in a 3-1 league win over Hearts before spending last season on loan at Partick Thistle.
