Life as the Rangers goalkeeper is not for faint-hearted. But Will Dennis, during Kilmarnock’s opening day victory over the Glasgow giants back in August, proved that he is willing to throw himself head-first into a challenge.
Quite literally, on that occasion.
As the ball dropped loose in the midst of a crowded penalty area, with the scores level at 0-0, Kilmarnock’s on-loan shot-stopper put his body on the line, risking injury and worse to keep Sam Lammers and Cyriel Dessers from tapping in from point-blank range.
If that showcased his bravery, then the save Will Dennis made later in the half was one best described as spectacular, tipping a rasping John Lundstram drive over the bar. That was one of four Dennis made during an eventual 1-0 win for Killie. And the first of ten clean sheets the Bournemouth-owned glovesman has accumulated since arriving at Rugby Park.
Kilmarnock’s Will Dennis excelled against Rangers
According to the Daily Record, Rangers are now ‘keeping close tabs’ on Dennis, his Bournemouth contract expiring in 2024. And it would be no surprise if their interest can be traced all the way back to August 5th. The day in which Dennis announced himself to Scottish football, and set about loosening the bricks in the house Mick Beale built on sand.
Per FBREF, Dennis has the third-best save percentage rate in the Premiership too. Behind only Zander Clark of Hearts and a certain Jack Butland. The man he would likely provide competition for at Ibrox should Jon McLaughlin and Robby McCrorie make way.
Rangers reportedly wanted to sign Freddie Woodman from Preston North End over the summer before turning their attention to Butland. Funnily enough, Woodman kick-started his senior career with a loan move to Kilmarnock, and Dennis appears to be doing the same six years on.
Now an Ibrox target
“It’s great getting top-flight experience under my belt,” Dennis told Herald Scotland a few months ago.
“The main thing as a goalkeeper is keeping the ball out of the net. And in this league, there are good players coming your way trying to score. I’m loving the environment here, and the fans as well they are great.
“Scottish football and Kilmarnock is a great pathway for everyone.”
That summer switch to Ayrshire not only secured Dennis the chance to play first-team football in a top-flight league for the first time. It could also have sparked a chain of events which leads him to Ibrox.
