In the last two games, the 21-year-old midfielder has come on as a second-half substitute.
Cole McKinnon, a rookie player for the Rangers, is looking to take advantage of the team’s injury issue to gain more playing time in the starting lineup.
Due to the absence of available wingers—Oscar Cortes, Scott Wright, Abdallah Sima, and Danilo—the manager, Philippe Clement, has had to substitute players on the roster in recent weeks. The Belgian was forced to employ Tom Lawrence in a wide role as a result, and Dujon Sterling also had to play in a right wing position that he had never played in before.
Rangers academy graduate McKinnon has taken advantage of the situation by increasing his total of first team appearances in the last two games, with Scotland international Ryan Jack also coming and going from the club due to persistent ailments in recent weeks. The 21-year-old made his debut under Giovanni van Bronckhorst in a post-split match against Hearts in May 2022. However, he didn’t play for the first team for almost two years until coming off the bench in last Thursday’s exciting 2-2 draw against Benfica in the first leg of their Europa League last 16 match.
After that, McKinnon entered the game as a substitute once more last night as Clement’s team defeated Hibs 2-0 at Easter Road to guarantee their spot in the Scottish Cup semi-finals. After sharing the field with World Cup winners Nicolas Otamendi and Angel Di Maria in the draw with Benfica last week, the former East Fife and Partick Thistle loanee was ecstatic and is now looking to accrue more playing time.
Being on the same pitch with them was very strange, he remarked. “I am accustomed to viewing these athletes on television, and now I am one of them. It’s fantastic. You have to go in there and play; you can’t be too star struck by it all. At the end of the day, though, it’s my job, and you can only take so much of it. I had a wonderful time there; it was a wonderful sensation.
“We’ve advanced to the next round of the cup after my lone outing in Europe. The guys are all excited about Hampden, and Thursday is now the main priority. The game will be enjoyable.”
Concerning the team’s present injury problems, McKinnon remarked, “That’s football.” We have been extremely unfortunate this season with injuries, but I must step up now. Injuries happen, and it is not nice when so many players are affected. No matter where in the park it is, I will fill in the blanks if necessary.
“I play wherever I am needed; that is the kind of player I am. Hopefully, I can continue to take my chances and remain modest if they arise. Not to get ahead of myself too much. Since I just have two appearances, I must continue to put in a lot of effort in my daily training, and maybe it will pay off.
“The players’ attitudes changed as soon as he entered the building, and everyone is supporting what he is attempting to accomplish. I can speak for myself when I say that working with him makes me feel much better about myself and improves my game in a variety of ways.
“I am grateful that he has definitely given me those opportunities and that I am training there since I have truly liked working with him. It is due to unfortunate circumstances and a few injuries, but you have to seize the chance when it presents itself, therefore I’m excited for Thursday..
It displays his level of belief. It was only 1-0 here in a tense match, but it was 2-2 against Benfica when I got on, which demonstrates his faith in younger players. I am excited for the remainder of the season because I, along with the other players on the B team, know that if we put in the necessary effort and do well in training, we will be given those opportunities. It ought to be excellent.
We have been together since we started working together full-time, so it’s wonderful to see where Ross (McCausland) is now. Hopefully, I can follow his footsteps and work under the same manager. I signed my contract on the same day as Ross. The manager’s principles are evident there, and I aim to follow in his footsteps.”
I am grateful that he has provided me with these possibilities and that I am able to train there. I have truly liked working with him. It is due to unfortunate circumstances, a few injuries, but you have to seize the chance when it presents itself, and I am excited for Thursday.
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