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Liam Kelly was delighted to save a penalty on his European debut last night as Rangers earned a hard-fought 0-0 draw with Athletic Club at Ibrox.
Barry Ferguson made a host of changes for the tie against the Bilbao side with Kelly given the nod ahead of Jack Butland in goal and fellow Academy graduate Bailey Rice starting in midfield.
Robin Propper’s early red card changed the gameplan but the Light Blues dug deep and showed grit and determination to earn a terrific result against the La Liga outfit.
29-year-old Kelly was composed throughout and his big moment came late in the game when he superbly saved Alex Berenguer’s spot kick.
It was a wonderful moment for Liam who returned to the club last summer and finally made his first-team debut against Dundee in December.
The Scotland international spoke to RangersTV after the game and praised the team for their efforts.
He said: “I actually didn’t have that much to do as the boys in front of me were unbelievable but it was nice to help the team out when they needed me.
“I just wanted to help the team as you could see how much effort they put in.
“I wasn’t caring about me I just wanted to help the team. There was a lot going on with the disallowed goal and the VAR check.
“I picked a side, he tried to go down the middle so I threw my foot up and thankfully got a foot on it.
“I am just so pleased to be able to contribute and help the team.
“It was a massive shift from everyone, a proper Rangers performance.
“It is only half time but the support round the stadium was incredible and it helped us get us over the line.
“We will see what happens next week.
“Obviously we do a lot of work with Greegsy, Connor and big Jack, it is a great help to me as well.
“Young Rydnn was on the bench tonight, Mason as well so there is a good goalkeeping group here that looks at things and talks, it is a collective effort.
“It was an incredible night, such an amazing night for me and my family.
“All focus moving forward goes to Aberdeen on Sunday and it is a massive game, obviously there is a big rivalry between two clubs.
“It’s a game we are absolutely desperate to win.
“We will look forward to next week and then we’ll battle.
“We are playing against the favourites for the tournament so it is a real task 11 v 11 never mind 11 v 10, but that is what we are all about at this club.
“Grinding, digging in for each other.
“A wee bit frustrating as well that we don’t produce that every week but we have enough tough times so let’s enjoy this.
“What did we do, the amount of effort we put in and let’s take that going forward.
“It’s a 180 minute game isn’t it so we have stayed alive that is the most important thing, we are alive in the tie, well and truly alive.
“Obviously the boys at the top end of the pitch it is a really difficult night for them.
“Ianis, Cyriel, Vaclav, these sort of boys, Hamza and Ross when they come on, the amount of effort these boys put in to stop the pressure coming on top of us was incredible.
“I’m so grateful because I actually didn’t have a lot to do, comfortable saves and I had a penalty save.
“I am really pleased with everyone’s efforts and we will just keep listening to the gaffer’s message and we’ll be alright.”
Liam’s development was assisted by annual RYDC donations to the Rangers Academy and more than £12 million has already been provided.
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