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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Jon Brady

Rangers fan named 'Barry Ferguson' by Ibrox-daft dad cheering on team from Seville

If there's one man Rangers can count on for support in Seville, it's young "Barry Ferguson" - from Carrickfergus in Northern Ireland.

Kurtis Barry Ferguson Forsythe has travelled to Andalusia with his Rangers-mad family to cheer the Light Blues on, as they fight to secure their first European title in 50 years against Eintracht Frankfurt.

The 19-year-old was officially registered with the namesake of dad Ian's hero the same day the real Barry scored for the family's beloved team.

The football-daft youngster - who plays as a right back for Northern Irish Premiership side Carrick Rangers - has even met the Rangers legend and told him the story behind his name.

The proof Kurtis carries the name of his family's hero (Daily Record)

He said: "I'll never get sick of being named after him - it's my claim to fame."

Kurtis was born on September 28 2002 - the day the midfielder put away a goal against Dundee United to propel them to a 3-0 victory, on their way to an SPL title that season.

The family is so football-daft he was even carried home in a tot-sized Rangers top - a shirt he still proudly has today.

Dad Ian is the man responsible for the tribute to the Ibrox icon.

He nipped away to register Kurtis' birth while mum Cathy recuperated in hospital - and added his middle names in as a surprise.

But Cathy was delighted when he came back and surprised her with the youngster's moniker.

Kurtis (in the back, wearing white) has travelled with family to Seville (Daily Record)

Cathy recalled: "I didn't know he was doing it. He left and signed Kurtis' birth off.

"Then he came back and said: 'I have a confession to make - he's called Barry Ferguson.'

"I'd picked the name Kurtis and he snuck those in. But I just went: 'That's grand.'

"For us as a family the club runs deep."

Kurtis went on to meet the real Barry Ferguson in March 2019, introducing himself in full - middle names and all.

He said of the star's reaction: "He just said it was amazing - he couldn't believe it.

"He said he's never heard anything like it.

"I love being the guy named after Barry Ferguson."

Kurtis has travelled out to Seville with a huge family party that includes mum Cathy, partner Sophie Welsh and sisters Aby and Megan.

Sophie's also carrying an extra passenger - as the pair are expecting a baby girl later this year.

He believes the Gers will lift the Europa League trophy on Wednesday night in Seville after thrashing Eintracht Frankfurt.

Kurtis with the top he wore home after being born (supplied)

He added: "How many teams have we beaten to get here? I'll always believe in us - someone has to.

"It's going to be bonkers on Wednesday - but we wouldn't miss it.

"This is a once in a lifetime experience. I'm never going to forget it."

Keep up with the Daily Record's on-the-ground Seville coverage: follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our daily newsletters here.

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