Cole McKinnon hoping to follow in footsteps of Ross McCausland
Cole McKinnon revealed his desire to follow in the footsteps of fellow youngster Ross McCausland after helping Rangers to a 2-0 Scottish Gas Scottish Cup win over Hibernian on Sunday.
Twenty-one-year-old midfielder McKinnon and the 20-year-old Northern Ireland international both made their debuts in 3-1 win over Hearts on May 14, 2022, with McKinnon scoring the final goal.
McCausland has become a key part of Philippe Clement's squad this season, while McKinnon's late substitute appearance in the Easter Road victory was his second senior outing of the campaign, after coming off the bench in the 2-2 Europa League draw against Benfica in Lisbon last Thursday.
McKinnon, who has had loan spells at East Fife and Partick Thistle, knows the pathway he wants to take.
"I signed my contract the exact same day as Ross, we have been together since we came in full-time so it is nice to see where he is now and hopefully I can follow the steps he has taken," he said.
"You can see the manager has belief and hopefully I can do the same as he has done.
"It was 2-2 at Benfica when I got on and it was only 1-0 at Easter Road in an edgy game so it shows the belief he has in younger players.
"Not only myself, but the rest of the players in the B team, if they are working hard and doing well in training they are going to get those opportunities so I am looking forward to the rest of the season. It should be good
"The manager has been great with everyone.
"Since he came in the building there has been a change in mentality of the players and everyone is buying into what he is trying to do.
"I feel a lot better working under him and he is making me a better player in lots of different ways.
"I am thankful that I am there training and thankful that he has obviously given me those opportunities.
"It is down to bad reasons, a couple of injuries but you need to take your opportunities when they come."
McKinnon may well play a part again in the second leg against Benfica on Thursday.
McCausland hobbled off against Hibs after sustaining a knock and joined the injury list which includes Abdallah Sima, Oscar Cortes, Scott Wright, Dujon Sterling, Kieran Dowell, Todd Cantwell and Danilo.
McKinnon admits it was "quite weird" to be on the same pitch in Lisbon as Benfica's star players including Argentina World Cup winners Angel Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi but returned to Glasgow with confidence.
He said: "I am used to watching these players on the TV and now I am in amongst them.
"It is my job at the end of the day and you need to go in there and play, you can't be too star-struck about it all. I loved it when I was in there, it was a great feeling.
"We have been very unlucky with injuries this season but I need to step up now.
"Hopefully I can keep on taking my chances if they come and just be humble about it. I am not getting too far ahead of myself.
"It is only the two appearances so I need to keep working hard in training every day and hopefully it will come."