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Liam Kelly was immensely proud to make his Rangers first-team debut against Dundee just before Christmas, two decades after joining the club’s Academy.
Kelly was only 8 when he walked through the blue gates at the training ground for the first time and 20 years later he finally fulfilled his lifelong ambition of playing for the Light Blues.
He progressed through the youth ranks and enjoyed positive loan spells with East Fife and Livingston before joining Livi in a permanent deal in 2018.
Liam’s form earned him a move to QPR then Motherwell who he was thrilled to captain during his spell at Fir Park.
The Scotland international was recalled to the national squad recently and returned to his boyhood club last summer after being part of Steve Clarke’s Euro 2024 squad.
He knows his role is to provide cover for Jack Butland but his hard work and dedication was rewarded with a debut in the 1-0 Ibrox win over Dundee during the festive period.
Butland’s wife was due to give birth the weekend of the game and the Englishman had just completed his warm-up when he received the call to go to the hospital.
Kelly was told he was playing and had no time to be nervous as minute’s later he was walking down the tunnel for the first time to start a competitive match as a Rangers player.
It turned out to be a comfortable debut for him and it was just the start of an extended run in the team as Butland picked up an injury that would sideline him for most of January.
Liam was given the nod in the New Year Old Firm derby at Ibrox and kept another clean sheet in a terrific 3-0 victory.
It was the stuff of dreams for the goalkeeper who had worked tirelessly to be ready for his opportunity in such a high-profile fixture.
Further appearances followed in the league against Hibs, Dundee, St Johnstone and Aberdeen but his first two games for Rangers is something he will remember forever.
The 29-year-old joined fellow Academy graduates Ross McCausland and Mason Munn at the training ground recently to show his support for The Rangers Youth Development Company who were announcing a £325,000 donation to the Academy.
They’ve provided more than £12 million to date and Liam has paid tribute to RYDC for assisting his Light Blues youth journey.
He said: “I look back on my first spell at Rangers positively and I was developed with support from RYDC.
“They have given more than £12 million to the Academy and, having been there as a youth player, I don’t think we could function the way we do without it.
“We were given a lot of privileges and support off the pitch that helped us massively on the pitch.
“RYDC has a huge impact on the Academy and the club.
“It is massive and you might not see it directly but the older you get as a player you really start to recognise that.
“Every penny of RYDC profit is donated to the Academy and we thank them and the fans for their incredible support.
“Now I can say I have played for the Rangers first-team and it was an incredible feeling.
“You don’t ever think it’s going to come as it had been so long.
“Obviously I didn’t want anything to happen to big Jack but the opportunity was there for me and it was an amazing feeling. I waited a long time for that.
“Jack had done his full warm-up for the Dundee game then was told the baby was coming so obviously I’m glad all went well with his family.
“So I was straight in and there was no time to be nervous.
“We managed to get the victory and I didn’t have much to do so it was the perfect game for me.
“I loved it and didn’t want to let anyone down. I was over the moon to make my debut. I was so happy.
“Then I was in for the Celtic game a few weeks later when Jack picked up an injury.
“I knew he had a problem a few days before it so I had more time to prepare for this one.
“Celtic is the biggest game and the one you want to be involved in as it means so much to the fans.
“You never think a game like that could go smoothly but it was 3-0 and I was delighted to keep another clean sheet.
“It was a perfect game and we had a makeshift back four so it was a terrific result
“People were injured and players had to perform in different roles, myself included due to Jack’s injury, but ultimately the most important thing is winning the game and we managed to do so – and in a good fashion.
“Keeping a clean sheet in an Old Firm derby game at New Year was a dream day.
“I know how well Jack has done for the club and I have been in the game a long time now to know how things work.
“But I had to take my opportunity and I loved my run in the team.
“If I get another run like that I will love it again but Jack has my full support as well.
“It was surreal walking out against Dundee and Celtic. I have been here for a big part of my life and I’ve prepared for moments like that.
“When it comes, it goes by pretty quickly so I tried to take as much in as I could.
“Dundee was amazing but the Celtic game was even more special.
“I was obviously focussed on the game as you have a job to do as well.
“The boys in front of me were amazing in the derby. The better they do the less I have to do and we all played a part in the 3-0 win.
“I train every day to be ready for these moments so there were no nerves.
“I had to be ready and I prepared well to go in and do the job.
“I’ve played in big games before and been in Scotland camps and that set me up to play for my country so I know you have to be ready when called upon.
“I know how to prepare and I’m always ready to play. In an instant, Jack could go down with an injury so I am always ready to go.
“I had a few games in a row and enjoyed it but the next game is always the most important one at Rangers.
“When you play it is a massive chance as you are representing so many people.
“It’s such a big club and you feel that when you play.
“I understand how many people we represent and if the opportunity comes for me to play again then brilliant.
“You get the maximum punishment even for smaller mistakes when you are a goalkeeper. That’s the life of a goalie but I walked tall off the pitch against Celtic. It was an amazing experience.
“I was so happy. All my family were there for my debut against Dundee and then the Celtic game and it meant everything to me to play.
“I’ve played a lot of games in this league for Livingston and Motherwell so
I have belief in my ability and I know what I can do.
“I walked through the gates of the training centre for the first time about 20 years ago so it meant so much as I had come through the Rangers Academy.
“It was special and I will never forget it.
“A big thanks go to my mum, dad and grandad.
“They put a lot of effort into getting me here and took me to a lot of Rangers games over the years.
“I love working with Jack, Mason and Bud (Lewis Budinaukas) in training every day and I think the goalkeeping department at the club is in a really strong place.
“I am a good example for players as I have left Rangers and gone on to have a good career elsewhere.
“There is nothing better than playing for Rangers though, hence why I’m back here.”
Liam’s development was assisted by annual RYDC donations to the Rangers Academy and more than £12 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.
CLICK HERE to play Rangers Lotto
CLICK HERE to play The Union Jackpot
CLICK HERE to buy Rangers Bricks
CLICK HERE to buy Rangers Scratchcards
CLICK HERE to play Museum Lotto
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