While several new faces have arrived at Rangers at the dawn of a new era, Russell Martin has continually reiterated his openness to be surprised by members of the squad he inherited.
It would be fair to assume Findlay Curtis files into that category after the teenager was trusted to start on the left of Martin’s attack in his first competitive match in charge of the Ibrox club.
The first leg of the Champions League second-round qualifier against Panathinaikos was just a sixth Rangers appearance for the 18-year-old. It was only his second start.
“He has the athleticism and talent to play in his team for sure, but he also has the character,” Martin explained pre-match.
With Rangers looking nervy and vulnerable for the majority of a first half Martin described as “uncomfortable”, Curtis eased growing tension by demanding the ball, driving inside, and unleashing a stunning strike to ignite Martin’s reign.
A first goal in senior football, it was a moment that swung momentum and had former Rangers wide men waxing lyrical.
“Brilliant, son. He’s a cool cat this kid, I tell you,” ex-Ibrox winger and coach Neil McCann said on Premier Sports. “That’s a fantastic finish, I love that,” was the view of Peter Lovenkrands on BBC Sportsound.
