- Findlay Curtis says Premiership loans accelerated his Rangers development and international breakthrough.
- He argues top-flight Scottish football better prepares academy players than lower leagues or overseas moves.
- Rangers urged to prioritise domestic Premiership loans, with Curtis as proof of concept success story.
Findlay Curtis has reinforced the growing argument that Rangers should prioritise Scottish Premiership loan moves for academy graduates, rather than defaulting to lower-league football in England or short-term spells abroad that offer less long-term benefit to the demands of Ibrox.
The 19-year-old winger’s breakthrough campaign at Kilmarnock, netting five goals in 14 appearances.
The star playing a key role in securing top-flight survival, and earning a first senior international call-up.
It has become a live case study in how effective a well-placed domestic loan can be when properly managed.
Findlay Curtis on pushing for Premiership loan
Curtis, speaking to The Rangers Review, said the decision to leave Rangers temporarily was driven by a simple need for consistent senior football.
“I actually pushed for a loan,” he said.
“Spoke with the manager, and he was just saying that he would love me to stay here. But he can’t guarantee me the minutes.
“I just love playing football and I think that’s the main thing.”
That move proved decisive in accelerating his development.
Rather than fragmented minutes in cup games or late substitutions, Curtis was exposed to weekly high-pressure football against physically mature, tactically disciplined opponents.
“As a young kid, you want to go out and express yourself against older boys and play in the best league you can,” he said.
Findlay Curtis earns Scotland call
This has led to Curtis gaining international recognition.
Scotland boss Steve Clarke handed the winger his debut against Japan.
And he has now made the final squad for this summer’s World Cup thanks to his Killie form.
His perspective feeds directly into a wider debate at Rangers about the effectiveness of loan destinations, particularly after mixed outcomes in recent years.
Previous mixed results
Alex Lowry’s spell at Hearts in 2023/24, for example, was initially seen as a logical step up.
However, it ultimately failed to provide sustained development before being cut short.
He later left Rangers permanently in 2025 after struggling to establish a consistent route back into the Ibrox first-team environment.
Similar uncertainty has followed other academy exits and loan spells, where players have either not received enough minutes or been deployed in roles that do not match Rangers’ long-term tactical expectations.
Curtis believes the contrast lies in the level and consistency of competition.
“I’ve had negatives in the past,” he said.
“But I think those moments make you realise how important it is just to play and keep improving.”
His development curve has already translated into tangible outcomes such as improved senior appearances and the aforementioned international recognition.
There is now a growing belief within Rangers that the Premiership loan route may offer the most direct bridge between academy football and Ibrox readiness.
“If I had stayed at Rangers, I don’t think I would have ever got that call-up,” Curtis admitted.
Readrangers.com analysis – Jack Cranmer
Looking ahead, Rangers are expected to send several young players out on loan this summer.
Curtis’ experience has sharpened the focus on where those players go rather than simply whether they leave.
The key benefit of prioritising Scottish Premiership loans is giving players experience against the same sides they will face in the Ibrox first team.
Players are exposed to the same physical intensity, tempo, and similar tactical set ups they will face at Ibrox.
While also remaining within a footballing environment closely monitored by Rangers staff and easily reassessed mid-season.
Unlike lower-league loans, where style of play, surface quality, and tactical variability can distort development.
Premiership moves provide a clearer benchmark for Rangers readiness.
Conversely, Lowry’s stalled progression after an interrupted Hearts spell highlights the risk of poorly matched environments, where talent is not necessarily the issue.
Curtis’ trajectory suggests that when the loan level is correct, the pathway from academy to first team becomes not only faster, but more predictable and ultimately more productive.
Rangers have had notable success with younger loanees in the Championship and League One this season.
With those players now ready for a step up to the top tier before a potential Ibrox breakthrough.
Paul Nsio from Raith, alongside Alloa duo Calum Adamson and Lewis Stewart should be the next trio set for top Scottish loans to enhance their development and their own chances of making Rangers careers a reality.
