Rangers winger Findlay Curtis has made clear his ambition to become one of the best players in Scotland this season, speaking with humility about the challenge ahead as he fights for a regular place under manager Derek McInnes.
The 20-year-old, who earned a place in Scotland's World Cup squad after a successful loan spell at Kilmarnock, is now back at Ibrox and determined to make his mark.
World Cup confidence boost
Curtis acknowledged that the World Cup experience has given him a significant confidence boost. "I wouldn't say so but I think I've come back with a different parts of my game that have got better," he said. "But what I can say is I think the World Cup has given me a real confidence to show the world what I can do."
He added: "Now I want to be one of the best players in the league this season. I want to just keep on performing, you know what I mean? Obviously I'm really humble about that aim. I think it's the main thing but yeah, I have to believe myself."
Fighting for minutes under McInnes
Despite Rangers' continued search for wingers, Curtis has been involved in all five of the club's games so far this season. McInnes has handed him minutes and offered guidance on areas to improve.
"The manager's message has been to just be patient," Curtis explained. "I think that's the main thing. Obviously from going away on loan last season to being back here, I think I've certainly come back a better player but I need to keep focusing on myself."
He added: "The manager has given me bits and bobs that I need to add to my game which will make me better but apart from that he's just like a man manager, he gets round the boys really well and yeah, it's an exciting chapter for the football club."
Learning from Kilmarnock and looking ahead
Curtis credited his time at Kilmarnock, where he helped Neil McCann's side avoid relegation, as a valuable experience. He said: "I couldn't thank them enough for what they did for me but I want to replicate it at Rangers now."
Looking ahead to Rangers' Conference League clash against Jablonec, Curtis hopes to build on his stunning goal against Panathinaikos in a Champions League qualifier last year. "I want to score more goals in Europe and that's the main thing," he said. "I just want the best for the club and bring success back to it."
