Hopeful Adam Devine says playing against Celtic at Hampden in the Viaplay Cup final would be a 'dream come true'.
The young Rangers starlet has had a taste of the national stadium before when the Light Blues triumphed over Aberdeen to reach the final after heroics from Kemar Roofe. Devine played in the pressure of extra time against the Dons and admits facing bitter rivals Celtic would be another feather in his cap.
The 19-year-old was involved in a run of games under Michael Beale this campaign after an injury to Ridvan Yilmaz and the absence of Borna Barisic gave the academy graduate a pathway in to the starting eleven. But while competition for places remains tough, Devine is hopeful he can continue to show Beale his skills that could land him a role at the national stadium in the big derby.
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He said: "It was my first playing experience of Hampden. When the gaffer said to me I was getting on, I got nervous. But I loved every minute of it and I was just delighted we got into the final.
“I thought I did not too bad. It was only for 15 minutes, but you need to show that the manager can trust you. When you go on for those games you need to put on a performance like Borna did.
“When you get on the pitch, get a few touches of the ball and the fans are behind you, then you feel like you belong there.
“It would be massive, of course [to be in squad for Celtic]. It would be my first taste of a League Cup final with Rangers. We are looking forward to it and hopefully we can put on a performance and get the silverware. That’s one of my dreams, to get on the pitch for a final.”
On Beale's message to him, he added: “He said I just need to bide my time. The two full-backs who are in the team just now are very good players and it’s hard to get in.
“But when your opportunity comes you just need to take it as well as you can. It has always been about football since I was a wee boy. That is the way it is and how I grew up and how it is just now too.
“Since I was about the age of four, I was growing up wanting to play for Rangers at Ibrox.I have been here since I was nine and I have done that, but I need to keep going.
“I’ve not done much yet. I have played a few games with the first team, but it is only the start. I want to continue on this journey.”
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