Debut Was A Dream Come True

KAI Kennedy says it was a ‘dream come true’ as he made his Rangers first-team debut at Ibrox on Friday night.

The 17-year-old winger was thrilled to get the chance to run out in front of the fans as he replaced Joe Aribo as an 81st minute substitute against Stranraer.

Having worked his way through the ranks at Rangers Youth Academy, Kai said getting that chance with the first-team is what he has been aiming for.

He explained: “It was a dream come true, it has been what I have been working for for the last 7 or 8 years and I just hope there are many more to come.

“The message was just to keep my nerves and just do what I do and show the fans what I can do.

Kai spent the winter break in Dubai with Steven Gerrard’s squad and relished the chance to learn from players such as Ryan Kent.

He added: “It’s brilliant, I learn from him and all the wingers and that is what I keep looking to do and it has been amazing and I just hope to keep doing what I’m doing.

“I thought I did well and I thought all the boys did well and I think it was a great experience for us.

“It is good experience for me, I am still young and that’s what I’ve been dreaming of going away with the first team as a wee boy that’s what I’ve always dreamed of to go away with the first-team and play with them.”

Kai was speaking as RYDC handed over £450,000 to Rangers Youth Academy.

He added: “It is amazing for us and it has helped us a lot throughout the year and it has helped us every year and we would like to thank them and the fans for getting us it.”