- Findlay Curtis scored twice as Kilmarnock defeated St Mirren 3-0 in crucial relegation battle.
- Neil McCann praised Curtis’ mentality, versatility and finishing after another standout display.
- Curtis’ form strengthens his case for a Rangers first-team role next season.
Rangers loanee Findlay Curtis produced another standout performance for Kilmarnock this afternoon.
The 19-year-old struck twice as the Rugby Park side defeated relegation rivals St Mirren 3-0 at the SMISA Stadium.
Neil McCann’s side now move four points clear of the Buddies in the battle to avoid the relegation play-offs, with two fixtures remaining.
Findlay Curtis shines against Saints
Killie went into the break one goal ahead despite sustained pressure from the Saints, but Curtis eased any nerves just a minute into the second half.
He latched onto a loose ball inside the St Mirren box before opening his body and finishing first time into the far corner.
Then, late in the match, he added another.
Once again, the winger opened his body and drove a low finish into the far corner with the inside of his right foot to secure a vital three points for his loan side.
Killing it at Kilmarnock
Curtis’ loan spell has proven highly successful.
He now has four goals in 12 appearances for Kilmarnock, along with an assist in the recent victory over Livingston.
Combined with his tally from the first half of the campaign, the youngster finishes the season with seven goals and three assists in 33 appearances.
Earlier this year, he was also included in the Scotland national football team squad for the first time, making his debut for Steve Clarke’s side against Japan.
Neil McCann praises Findlay Curtis
Speaking post-match McCann, who coached Curtis at Ibrox last term praised his mentality and ability.
“He’s a threat. I know I can ask him questions, push him out of shape a wee bit, and his attitude will meet that,” he revealed.
“It’s easy to single out Finn and he should be singled out for his two brilliant finishes, very reminiscent of last week’s. But I thought as a team they were brilliant.”
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Curtis’ progression over the course of the season has been impossible to ignore, and his latest display only strengthens the argument for a return to the Rangers first-team picture next term.
With Andreas Skov Olsen failing to make a significant impact during his loan spell at Ibrox, and Danny Rohl recently overlooking Oliver Antman, there appears to be a genuine opening on the right flank.
Curtis has added end product, consistency and physical maturity to his game over the last year, and Rangers may now feel they already possess a winger capable of contributing at senior level rather than looking for a loan once again.
