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Academy graduate Findlay Curtis says it was a dream come true to start and score in a crucial Champions League qualifier for Rangers.
The 18-year-old opened the scoring with a terrific right-foot shot from distance after 52 minutes to help secure a 2-0 Champions League qualifying win over Panathinaikos at Ibrox.
Substitute Djeidi Gassama bagged a fine second goal on his debut with another top-class finish shortly after coming on to seal victory for Russell Martin’s men.
Curtis, who struck the equaliser in the recent 2-2 draw with Club Brugge, has enjoyed a positive pre-season with the club and he can be proud of his wonder strike at a packed Ibrox.
Speaking after the match, he said: “Playing in a Champions League qualifier for this club is massive and I was delighted to get the goal.
“Gassa was brilliant when he came on and took his goal very well. I like to learn from players like that so well done to him.
“It’s only half-time and we go to Greece next week. It’s very warm over there at the minute and that heat is going to be difficult for us but we are all looking forward to the tie and hopefully we can come away with a win.
“The manager says it’s all about working hard and hopefully I can keep on scoring goals and putting in the performances he wants.
“There is good competition with all the players but I am looking to push some of the boys out of the way and start.
“I was delighted with the goal and it is another step in my career.
“If you had asked me two weeks ago I don’t think I would have thought of that.
“I found out I was playing the day before and I was texting my mum and dad to tell them and they started crying.
“Thanks to them because they have taken me here, there and everywhere so I am just delighted
“I have been here since I was six and it is a dream come true.
“My family, my girlfriend, her parents and all my friends were at Ibrox to see it.
“The manager has been absolutely brilliant with me.
“It has been intense in pre-season but beneficial.
“Thanks for what he has done for me so far and now I need to keep pushing on.”
Findlay’s development is assisted by annual RYDC donations to the Rangers Academy and more than £12 million has been provided so far.
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