FRESH from his first Rangers start, Findlay Curtis hopes he can earn more opportunities to show how much he has learned in the first-team environment this season.
The 18-year-old, who has been at Rangers since the age of 6, feels he has improved not only on the pitch, but off the pitch having been around the first-team since pre-season back in July.
Head coach Barry Ferguson was full of praise for the youngster and his performance at Pittodrie, and Curtis knows it is important he continues to take in as much as he can from the coaching staff and the players around him.
Speaking in an exclusive interview for the official club website, Curtis said: “It was unbelievable getting that first start, it wasn’t the result we wanted against Aberdeen because of course we wanted the three points, but I am delighted to get that first start and the assist as well which was good.
"My dad and my brother got up to the game, and my mum was crying in the house watching it, she is like that!”
“The gaffer got his first start at age 18 as well, so I think it is just about learning off of him, the coaching staff and the players around me as well. I am taking in all the information that has been given to me, and I just need to keep on working hard.”
It has been a big year for Curtis, who also made his European debut for the club at Old Trafford. With a second-leg quarter-final to look forward to this week against Athletic Club, he feels the squad have the right spirit to progress in the competition.
He continued: “It has been a dream for me being involved in the European games too and playing at Old Trafford, but I am just looking forward to this game on Thursday night.
“Athletic Club has some key players who are really good, but it is about us doing what we can do, breaking them down and we have got that belief and spirit that we can go on and do it.”
Reflecting on the past year, Curtis continued: “I didn’t think I would be where I was this time last year, but I have loved every minute of it and hopefully there’s more to come.
I feel more comfortable, in July I was a wee kid still, but I think I am growing, and I am loving the environment.
“I have definitely noticed a difference off the pitch, with the way I eat, the way I prepare myself for games. It is just all the information the first-team staff and players have given me and it's so beneficial.
“For me, I need to keep impressing in training and hopefully I catch the managers' eye.”
Findlay’s development was assisted by annual RYDC donations to the Rangers Academy and more than £12 million has already been provided.
Profit from RYDC’s online store and products like Rangers Lotto, Stadium Bricks and The Union Jackpot draw all go to the Academy.
CLICK HERE to play Rangers Lotto
CLICK HERE to play The Union Jackpot
CLICK HERE to buy Rangers Bricks
CLICK HERE to buy Rangers Scratchcards
CLICK HERE to play Museum Lotto
Over 18s only.