Right wing as become an unexpected problem area for Rangers this season with several key players underperforming as we head towards the Premiership title run in.
Oliver Antman has been inconsistent all season but post-winter his fitness has also been a cause for concern with the Finn in and out of matchday squads.
Highly regarded January acquisition Andreas Skov Olsen has failed to meet expectations while Djeidi Gassama’s form and confidence have taken a nosedive in recent months.
However, one Rangers-contracted winger has been shining in the league throughout this period.
Findlay Curtis.
A strong impression
The 19-year-old first broke into the Ibrox first team under Phillipe Clement last season and even scored a few vital goals during Russell Martin’s short tenure this campaign.
The decision was taken by Danny Rohl to send the teenager out on loan in January however, with Curtis linking up with Neil McCann at Kilmarnock.
So far, the move appears to be paying off.
Fans view
Kilmarnock supporter and podcaster Laurie Finlayson believes Curtis has quickly become an exciting presence in McCann’s side and has at least lived up to the expectations surrounding his arrival.
“He has at the very least, matched expectations,” Finlayson explained.
“He has come in and been a real live wire, giving us much-needed pace and width to suit Neil McCann’s preferred style.”
Curtis has primarily been deployed in wide areas, although McCann has occasionally asked the teenager to fill in deeper roles as Killie navigate injuries and squad rotation.
“He’s been primarily used as a winger, but there have been a few occasions where he’s deputised at wing-back,” Finlayson revealed.
“He’s stronger on the flanks as he can be caught out defensively. He gives us a great out ball and gets supporters excited.”
His pace and direct running were particularly evident during Kilmarnock’s recent victory over league leaders Hearts.
During which Curtis played a key role in helping the side relieve pressure and move quickly into attacking areas.
Tactical flexibility
Curtis has also shown his adaptability in recent weeks.
In a crucial win over fellow strugglers St Mirren the teenager was handed his first ever start at right-back – a decision that paid off for McCann.
The Kilmarnock manager praised Curtis willingness to embrace the unfamiliar role and highlighted the physical qualities that make him such a useful option.
“I thought he did really well considering it is an alien position,” McCann said.
“I thought he defended well, got back, got blocks in.
“He is fit enough, he is quick enough to get up the pitch, so he has given me something to think about this weekend.”
Despite his positive impact, Finlayson believes Kilmarnock supporters remain realistic about the situation when it comes to loan players from the Old Firm.
“The reality is, Findlay Curtis reminds you to never fall in love with a loan player,” he said.
“At Kilmarnock, we have had success with Old Firm loanees in the past – the likes of Kristoffer Ajer or Lewis Mayo. There is a stigma attached, however.
“If a player makes an impact, like Curtis has done, supporters take to them.”
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For Rangers, the teenager’s development at Rugby Park may yet prove significant.
Curtis has already contributed to his parent club clawing three points back in the title race with his performance against Hearts.
“Against Hearts, he was very effective in getting us up the pitch, completing all six of his attempted dribbles,” Finlayson explained.
This stat outweighs the poor completion stats of the likes of Gassama, who struggled to retain possession in Paisley.
While he may not have any further impact on the Gers current season – he is laying the groundwork to be a future star.
Ayrshire may be the beginning of a long and successful career for the winger, with many extra eyes from Glasgow now watching Killie with added intrigue.
