Rangers talent Stephen Kelly has revealed what Steven Gerrard told him when he made an appearance from the bench to record his senior debut against Ayr United on Wednesday.
The midfielder, who recently signed an extension with the Old Firm giants, replaced Ross McCrorie in the 69th minute to register his first senior appearance for the club during their 4-0 thumping of Ayr United in the Scottish League Cup.
Kelly, who is contracted to the club at least until 2021, is a product of the Rangers youth academy and has featured for the Under-21 side this season.
The cup tie against Ayr United tempted Gerrard to hand the youngster his first ever appearance with the senior team and he was on the pitch when Rangers grabbed their final goal through Glenn Middleton.
The 18-year-old admitted that he was delighted to be a part of a good result on his debut and revealed what the manager told him when he came off the bench to make his debut.
“I am absolutely delighted to come on in the cup and get a good 4-0 win”, Kelly told the Official Rangers Podcast.
“It was great to be on the pitch and after all the years of hard work I have finally done it. I am happy.
“He told me to get up to the speed of the game quickly as I could and move the ball quick.
“I just need to keep working hard and find out how to get to the next level and how to get round to the first team changing room and become a member of the squad.”
Kelly has represented Scotland Under-17s and Under-19s in recent and will be aiming to do his best for the Rangers’ reserves team this year.
