Kevin Kelsy off the mark for Venezuela - Rangers man secures first senior international goal

Kevin Kelsy scored his first senior international goal for Venezuela in a 2-1 defeat against Japan on Monday.

The Rangers striker gave his side the lead in the friendly clash in Hiroshima, before the hosts rallied to win the game in added time.

From a personal perspective, Kelsy will be delighted with the milestone strike, which augurs well for Derek McInnes and the return to club football.

Before the player returns to Glasgow, he will face Minsu Kim’s South Korea in Ulsan on Friday, with that encounter providing a chance to see two Gers going head to head.

Kevin Kelsy is progressing well in the early stages of his Rangers career.

The goal against Celtic at Ibrox was well taken and will have settled him, then he followed it up with a strong, aggressive performance at Parkhead one week later in the Scottish Premiership victory.

The former Portland Timbers frontman has shown glimpses of his ability in the first few weeks and that should be encouraging for Rangers supporters.

He is only getting started – there is much more to come.

Kevin Kelsy with his first senior international goal for Venezuela. 🇻🇪

Another positive moment for a Rangers player away on international duty. Hopefully see a few more of those at Ibrox. pic.twitter.com/1m8c8OqEHj
— Let's Talk Rangers (@LetsTalkGers) September 28, 2026

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Watch here – Kevin Kelsy first senior goal for Venezuela

Kevin Kelsy’s first senior international goal for Venezuela was a great strike.

He anticpates the ball coming his way, given the run of his teammate.

While holding off his marker, he makes great contact with the ball to reverse it into the corner, leaving the Japan goalkeeper with no chance.

Clinical. Great to see.

We still have almost two weeks until the domestic game returns.

Rangers host Kilmarnock on October 10 and Kelsy will be in contention to partner Ryan Naderi once again.

McInnes, the team and the fans now know that the combination works in certain games, but the demands of facing Celtic will be different to the challenge posed by Kilmarnock.

They won’t provide space in behind, they will look to suffocate Rangers play and get men behind the ball.

A technician could be required instead of a second striker, but whether it’s Kelsy or Naderi who gets the call, Rangers should be going into that game with confidence and purpose.

A win on October 10 will send Rangers to the top of the table, with Celtic not playing until the following day.