A product of the Rangers youth academy set-up, Ross McCrorie played for the club at senior level between the years of 2016 and 2021.
Now, the Bristol City full-back is part of Steve Clarke's Euro 2024 Scotland fold, and firmly believes the hard work endured in his formative years led him to this point.
Speaking to The Rangers Youth Development Company from the Scotland camp in Bavaria, the 26-year-old sang the praises of the Rangers youth development initiative.
He said: "I was buzzing when I was named in the initial squad but to make the final squad is a great honour for me and my family.
"To make your debut for your country is the pinnacle of any footballer’s career and it was an extremely proud moment to win my first cap against Gibraltar considering the bad injury I had for the majority of the season.
"It has been the icing on the cake after all the hard work I have put in.
"I’ve always been a hard worker and that was an early lesson I learned as a Rangers youth player. You always have to graft to get your rewards and can never take anything for granted, that’s something I remember every day.
"I have to thank the staff at Bristol City for helping me through the tough moments and getting me back in shape.
"Nigel Pearson signed me and was brilliant with me but I never got the chance to play for him before he left. But he was one of the first people to text me when I made my debut in January.
"Now I am part of Scotland’s Euro 2024 squad and it was special to see my name on Sky Sports News when the squad was announced.
"I’ve had so much support from my family and friends throughout my career and I know being named in the squad has made them proud."
McCrorie added: "As a footballer you want to play in the biggest games and Germany, Hungary and Switzerland will be tough challenges but it’s going to be exciting and the Tartan Army will give us all great support.
"I learned a lot of things at the Rangers Academy. They weren’t just preparing you to be a footballer, they prepared you to be a good person too.
"I never got too carried away, I always stayed grateful and humble. That helped me a lot."
Read McCrorie's wide-ranging interview with The Rangers Youth Development Company on the official Rangers website.
