Rangers address exit-linked star as potential suitor weighs in on possible January move for ace
Danny Rohl insists Rangers took a 'big step forward' despite Europa League failure as he signalled out one outgoing star for praise
Rangers boss Danny Rohl has indicated that youngster Findlay Curtis could yet remain at Ibrox for the remainder of the season after his impressive display in their 3-1 Europa League defeat to Porto.
It was reported last week that fellow Premiership side Kilmarnock had agreed a deal to sign the winger on a temporary basis until the summer, with former Ibrox great Neil McCann eager to bring the 19-year-old to Rugby Park amid their relegation battle.
It’s understood Ibrox officials had approved Curtis’ move to Ayrshire for the remaining months of the campaign, but it remains to be seen if they perform a late U-turn as the January transfer deadline looms.
Curtis has created positive impression in recent outings and was a standout performer in northern Portugal as the Light Blues’ disappointing European campaign came to an end. He provided the assist for Djeidi Gassama’s opener and his contribution leaves Rohl with a difficult decision to make ahead of Monday’s deadline.
Findlay Curtis gets ringing endorsement ahead of potential loan exit
Rohl admitted: “In the last two weeks, there’s a reason why Findlay (Curtis) got more minutes - he’s deserved it. We had a good talk with him two weeks ago, and since then there’s been big progress in his development. It’s great to see this, how brave he is. It’s important that at his age he gets a lot of minutes.
Curtis’ standout performance in Portugal has led to debate on social media surrounding whether Rangers should keep hold of their most promising youngster or allow him to head out on loan for the remainder of the campaign.
Discussing the player’s future, ex-Ibrox hero Billy Dodds - who is McCann’s assistant at Rugby Park - stated live on BBC Radio Scotland: “He has a fantastic attitude to go with his technical ability. His attitude is to die for.
“He would be a good addition (for Kilmarnock). It’s important he gets minutes. He’s been involved for Rangers - 21 games but it’s important he plays full games.”
Danny Rohl satisfied with ‘big step forward’ as grim Euro campaign ends
Defeat at the Estádio do Dragão against formidable opposition and the current Portuguese league leaders saw Rangers’ eight-match unbeaten run come to an end.
Porto had lost just twice across all competitions this season and were already assured of at least a play-off spot, But they secured automatic progression to the last-16 with relative ease after falling behind to Gassama’s early header.
Reflecting on the 90 minutes, Rohl said: “We started well, we were on the front foot in the first 15 minutes and played well, were very brave. But the two goals after 1-1 were too easy, and this moment was the killer.
“They controlled the game more in the first half and we missed some moments in their half. We have to be brave there. Second half, we tried. We played with courage, showed some good football, but all in all it’s a defeat.
”For me, it’s about a process. I compare this to my first game in Bergen - I see a big difference. You need that extra quality, that extra final pass and that’s what we need to work on. But I see the last four games as a big step forward.”