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Findlay Curtis is proud to have been named in Scotland’s squad for this summer’s World Cup and says the grounding he received at the Rangers Academy has given him the foundations for a successful football career.
The 19-year-old forward enjoyed a positive loan spell with Kilmarnock in the second half of the season and his impressive form was rewarded with a place in Steve Clarke’s 26-man pool.
Curtis made his Scotland debut in March against Japan at Hampden and was a key player for Killie as his five goals, constant work-rate and creativity helped Neil McCann’s side avoid relegation.
He now has the chance to feature against Haiti, Morocco and Brazil and is grateful for the football education he received at the Academy that has prepared him so well for first-team football.
Curtis, whose development was aided by annual RYDC donations to the club’s youth department, said: “I was an Academy boy last pre-season and I managed to work my way up to being a first-team player.
“Never in my dreams could I have imagined I would be in the World Cup squad, but I’m grateful for everything that has happened in the last 12 months.
“I’ve been here since I was six-years-old. I couldn’t thank all the coaches that I worked under in the past enough for what they’ve done for me.
“They’ve made me into the player that I am today.
It’s just about giving back, and I hope they recognise that I’ve done really well.
“The main thing is you need to be humble. You can’t think you’re big time.
“I know I still have a lot of work to do and that’s what I’ll be doing.”
Killie boss McCann has also praised Findlay for the impact he made during his loan spell at Rugby Park.
He raved: “The staff, players and I are absolutely delighted with this hugely positive news.
“We all have an immense sense of pride in Fin earning his spot in Steve’s squad off the back of his time with us.
“He deserves this recognition for the levels he’s shown while on loan here.
“It’s also a feather in the cap of the football club, and highlights what we can do for players at Killie, no matter the stage of their development.
“Fin has been a breath of fresh air to work with, and we wish him nothing but the best with Scotland this summer.”
Scotland boss Clarke added: “I don’t tell them, I let their clubs tell them. I just put the squad out.
“Findlay was hopefully jumping around the living room, or wherever he is in the world. He’s probably on holiday.
“Impressions when I brought him in in March – he fitted in very well. He’s got something a little bit different to what we’ve got.
“He’s shown he can score a goal, he’s finished the season in a great place and it’s nice to have a young one in the squad.
“Young players need to play football. If they want to improve, they have to play.
“Sometimes that can involve making big decisions. For Findlay to leave Rangers in January and go to Kilmarnock, and then you have the ability to back up that decision, things can work in your favour.”
Curtis is joined in the squad by fellow Rangers Academy graduates Liam Kelly, Nathan Patterson and Billy Gilmour. Good luck to them all.
Their career development was assisted by annual RYDC donations to the Rangers Academy and more than £12.5 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, while profit from Museum Lotto is donated to the club for the upkeep and maintenance of the Rangers Museum.
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