LEWIS MacKinnon insisted that the Rangers U19 squad are eager to challenge themselves further as they kick on with their UEFA Youth League campaign against Napoli at Firhill Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
The youngster emphasised the learning opportunities that the Youth League provides the young Gers as he reflected on last week’s first group stage match against Ajax at the De Toekomst in Amsterdam, where the versatile defender netted an important goal back in their 2-1 defeat.
Speaking to the media ahead of Wednesday’s match against Napoli in their European campaign, he said: "I feel like at the start of the game we were a bit passive, weren’t getting close to people, and letting them play. When it came to the second half, I felt that we started getting contact and pressing in the right areas, I felt as though we weren’t lucky to get a point at least.
"I feel that having our first game against Ajax has given us a sniff and I feel that everyone just wants to play more and more games.
"As a player, I want to be a threat in both boxes and be defensively solid in our box, but it’s always a bonus when you get a goal. You’ve got to be confident up there for when you do get a chance, you’re going to take it.
"To get the opportunity to play during the day and being able to go to the game at night to watch the first team game, we loved it – especially as a fan.
"You love to be at those types of games and that’s where the club wants to be, to play Champions League football."
MacKinnon took time to reflect on his recovery journey after missing out on the second half of last season through injury but emphasised that he’s enjoying playing a key role in David McCallum’s squad across each competition this year.
He added: "It feels great, I missed the second half of last season so, to get back playing is what every player wants. Now that I’m playing a lot more, it’s ultimately good for me, I’ve been enjoying it – especially with the challenges that we’ve come across this season.
"It’s part and partial of the game, you’re always going to get injuries – it’s as simple as that. I feel that the more downs that you have, the more you’re going to grow as a player. You just have to take it in your stride and I’m just happy to be back playing.
"As I said, I feel that when you get injuries, the lows are just going to make you stronger on and off the pitch as a player. You’re going to get them in your career, it’s just about taking it in your stride and going with it."
TICKETS: Priced at £7 for adults and £3 for concessions and can be purchased HERE to support the team in the UEFA Youth League.
The Light Blue went on to outline the benefit of playing a diverse range of matches has had on his individual development as he looks to progress further at the club.
He continued: "Yeah, it’s definitely helped us grow as players. For example, the Lowland League has been more of a physical test, but when we play these top European teams you’re coming across a different challenge, it’s probably more technical playing against these teams. Ultimately, it will help us improve as a player, everyone’s enjoying it.
“If you look at the boys who got a start against Queen of the South, it just shows you that the pathway is there, and you just have to keep striving each day."
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