COLE McKinnon loved every minute of his Rangers European debut - but he insists the hard work starts now.
The 21-year-old playmaker climbed off the bench with 13 minutes left of the Europa League last 16 clash with Benfica.
McKinnon replaced goal hero Dujon Sterling on the right wing to help Philippe Clement’s side earn a well-deserved 2-2 draw in Lisbon.
The Academy youngster was stunned to get the shout to take his Euro bow although he believes it shows the faith the Gers gaffer has in younger stars.
Speaking to Rangers TV, he said: “I am absolutely buzzing.
“I never knew I was coming on. During the warmup, I was told it could be a possibility.
“I didn’t have any nerves or anything I just wanted to get on the pitch as soon as possible.
“I tried to get up and down the pitch and I did that well. It shows the belief the manager has in the young boys and I am hoping for more appearances.
“I wasn’t happy with a few of my touches, but I am happy we managed to get the draw.
“It is gutting not to win in the end, but it is good to take the draw back to Ibrox as everyone knows what it is like on a European night.
“After that, I can’t wait to get home and get training. It is eye opening for me.
“I loved every minute of it and it is the same as making my debut.
“Hopefully there is more to come but I know there is a lot of hard work to come and that is something that I am – a hard worker.”
Tom Lawrence’s early header gave the Gers the lead before Angel Di Maria’s penalty levelled up the match just before half-time.
Sterling then grabbed his first senior goal by tucking home Fabio Silva’s low cross moments later, only for the hosts to equalise through Connor Goldson’s own goal.
McKinnon believes the squad showed a united front ahead of next Thursday’s second leg at Ibrox, although he says their attention is already on Sunday’s Scottish Cup quarter-final with Hibernian at Easter Road.
He added: “We are a team, we are all together, you can see it in training and in the building. We showed that against Benfica as well.
“We have Hibs on Sunday, but we have to take care of that and then try to do the job next week.”