Rangers star Findlay Curtis has revealed that he fought to leave the club on loan to Kilmarnock in January – and his gamble paid off as he won a call up to Scotland’s World Cup squad.
Curtis had impressed early in the season under Russell Martin, scoring against Panathinaikos in a Champions League qualifier, but as the Gers’ form faltered, he was gradually made more peripheral. Martin’s sacking had little impact on the 19-year-old’s fortunes and at the end of the transfer window he was loaned out to struggling Kilmarnock.
The Balfron-born star’s impact with Killie, where he played under former Rangers winger Neil McCann, was profound. He scored six goals as the Ayrshire outfit successfully moved out of the relegation zone.
Curtis has now explained why he was so desperate to make the move south.
“I wanted to push for that loan,” he told Rangers TV. “I wanted to go out on loan to prove a point to people here that I want to come back and play next season. I want to do my best for this club.
“In my position, you need to score goals and create chances and that’s what I’ve done for the past couple of games. Credit to Kilmarnock for taking me down there. What a club it is and I’m thankful for it. It’s been massive.
“I’m grateful for everything that’s happened over the past 12 months.”
World Cup a dream come true – Curtis
And Curtis’ payoff has come in the form of a World Cup call – something that seemed beyond him before his January switch to Rugby Park.
“It’s a dream come true. Every boy at my age has had a dream to go away with Scotland and to do it at this age, it’s massive,” he said.
“I was out on the golf course, playing golf with a couple of boys from here and ex-boys from here. I found out at quarter past 10 and when I saw it, I was buzzing.
“It came as a real surprise, really. I spoke to the Scotland gaffer before I left camp and he was saying, ‘just keep on working hard and see what happens’.
“I’ve done really well for the last couple of games for Kilmarnock and I’m obviously in the squad and delighted.”
Killie unlock Curtis superpower that Rangers can profit from
Curtis scored four goals in five games for Kilmarnock as they secured their survival in impressive style, yet there is one overlooked aspect to the teenager’s run at the club that could serve Rangers well in the years ahead.
The teenager had exclusively been used in his favoured left-wing role in the early weeks of the season, but at Kilmarnock he was used across the park. McCann sprung a major surprise by deploying him as a starting right-back against St Mirren, which was a role he ultimately thrived in. He was used off both the right and left by Killie, and this versatility, which often saw him play more than one position per game, should prove of immense use for Rangers.
Born in Balfron, a small village in Stirlingshire, Curtis joined Rangers as a youngster and quickly rose through the academy ranks. Known for his blistering pace, direct dribbling, and clinical finishing, he made his first-team breakthrough in the 2024/25 season. His goal against Panathinaikos in the Champions League qualifiers was a standout moment, showcasing his ability to perform on the big European stage.
However, consistency proved elusive at Ibrox. With competition for attacking places fierce and the team struggling for form under Martin and later his successor, Curtis found himself increasingly on the fringes. Limited to substitute appearances and occasional starts, the young forward knew he needed regular game time to develop.
“I could have stayed and fought for my place, but I felt like I needed to go and play week in, week out,” Curtis explained in a more recent interview. “Loans can be make or break for young players. Thankfully, this one has been the making of me.”
Statistical transformation at Rugby Park
At Kilmarnock, Curtis exploded into life. In 18 appearances (15 starts), he contributed 6 goals and 5 assists. His heat maps showed incredible work rate, covering more ground than most wingers in the Scottish Premiership. Defensively, he improved dramatically, winning 62% of his duels when deployed on the right flank.
Neil McCann, who himself had a successful spell at Rangers, played a pivotal role in the youngster’s development. “Findlay is a special talent,” McCann said after one particularly impressive performance. “He has that Rangers DNA – never say die attitude. We asked him to play in different positions and he embraced it fully. That’s the sign of a top player.”
One of the most memorable moments came in a crucial 2-1 victory over Aberdeen, where Curtis scored a stunning solo goal, beating three defenders before slotting home. The Rugby Park faithful took him to their hearts instantly, chanting his name throughout the second half.
His versatility has been the biggest takeaway. Used as a left winger, right winger, attacking midfielder, and even right-back, Curtis demonstrated tactical intelligence beyond his years. Rangers supporters and analysts alike believe this multi-positional capability could be key under the new manager next season, especially in a squad that often rotates heavily in domestic and European campaigns.
Path to the Scotland National Team
The call-up to Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for the 2026 World Cup preparations marks a meteoric rise. At just 19, Curtis becomes one of the youngest players in recent memory to earn senior recognition after such a short loan spell.
Scotland’s campaign in the qualifiers had been mixed, but the injection of youthful energy like Curtis could provide the spark needed. Clarke commented: “Findlay has shown real maturity in his performances for Kilmarnock. He brings energy, goals, and versatility – qualities we need as we prepare for the World Cup.”
Curtis’s family and friends were overjoyed. His father, a lifelong Rangers season ticket holder, said the family celebrated with a barbecue the night the squad was announced. “We always believed in him, but to see him going to the World Cup at this age is something else,” he told local media.
Former Scotland international Kris Boyd praised the move on punditry duty: “Sometimes young players need to go out and get that experience. Look at what it’s done for Curtis. He’s come back a man.”
What next for Curtis and Rangers?
As pre-season approaches, all eyes will be on whether Curtis can translate his loan form into first-team success at Rangers. The club is expected to strengthen in attacking areas, but his performances have undoubtedly put him in contention.
Rangers fans on social media have been vocal in their support. Many are calling for him to be given a prominent role in the opening fixtures of the new campaign. “Findlay Curtis is the future,” read one popular post that garnered thousands of likes.
His journey serves as inspiration for other academy graduates. In an era where young Scottish talents often seek opportunities south of the border, Curtis has shown that domestic loans can be equally transformative.
Looking ahead, Curtis remains humble. “I’m just focused on working hard every day,” he said. “Whether that’s at Rangers or wherever my career takes me, I want to keep improving. The World Cup is an amazing platform, but my priority is helping Rangers win trophies.”
The loan move that nearly didn’t happen has now become the defining chapter in the early part of Curtis’s career. From peripheral figure at Ibrox to international star in waiting, the Balfron prodigy has shown that sometimes taking a step back on the pitch can lead to giant leaps in development.
With the World Cup on the horizon and a new season at Rangers beckoning, Findlay Curtis’s story is only just beginning. Supporters of both clubs will be watching with great interest to see how this talented teenager continues to evolve.
