IT was an afternoon of regret and an evening of hurt for Lewis MacKinnon as Rangers suffered quickfire defeats to Ajax and paid the price on the continent.
But the defender insists it was still an inspiring trip to Amsterdam that will stand the next generation of Ibrox kids in good stead for the challenges to come at home and abroad.
MacKinnon was part of David McCallum's side that went down 2-1 to their Dutch counterparts as their UEFA Youth League campaign got off to a disappointing start.
Just hours later, the Northern Irishman sat in the Johan Cruijff Arena and watched Rangers crash to a 4-0 defeat on their return to the Champions League group stages.
MacKinnon's goal earlier in the day proved to be a false dawn for the Under-19s. He is confident, though, that there will be long-term positives as a host of rising stars aim to progress through the ranks and earn their spot in Giovanni van Bronckhorst's plans.
"It has definitely helped us grow as players," MacKinnon said. "In the Lowland League, it has been more of a physical test.
"When we play the European teams, top teams, you are coming across a different challenge. It is probably more technical and playing against these teams, you are going to improve as a player. I feel everyone is enjoying it.
"I feel the start of the game, the first half, we were a bit passive, not getting close enough to people and were letting them play almost.
"When it came to the second half, we got closer to people, started getting contact and pressing in the right areas. The second half, we were unlucky not to get a point at least.
"It has been brilliant to get the opportunity to play earlier in the day and then go at night and watch the first team game. We absolutely love it, especially as a fan as well.
"You love to be at those kind of games and that is what the club wants to be and where it wants to be and playing Champions League football.
"I feel like having our first game against Ajax has given us a sniff. Everyone just wants to play more and more games.
"If you look at the boys that got a start against Queen of the South, I think there were five or six and two of the 18s players got their debuts.
"It shows you the pathway is there and you have to keep striving every day."
Time will tell just how many of those under McCallum's guidance are able to complete the journey into the Ibrox first team and live the dream in years to come.
Attentions are now fixed on the visit of Napoli to Firhill on Wednesday afternoon. For MacKinnon, it will be another outing to savour in more ways than one.
MacKinnon said: "It feels great. I missed the second half of last season so to get back playing again is what every player wants.
"Now that I am playing a lot more it is good for me. I have been enjoying it, especially the challenges we have come across this season.
"It is part and parcel of the game. You are always going to get injuries. I feel the more downs you have, the more you are going to grow as a player.
"You just need to take it in your stride and I am happy to be back playing.
"I feel that when you get injuries, the lows are just going to make you stronger on and off the pitch as a player. It is part and parcel of the game. It is just about taking it in your stride and going with it."
