Bailey Rice Seals Kilmarnock Loan After Signing New Rangers Deal
McCann reunion key as Rangers youngster looks to follow Finlay Curtis success story
Rangers youngster Bailey Rice has joined Kilmarnock on a season-long loan as he looks to kick-start his senior career with regular first-team football.
The 19-year-old midfielder, who recently committed his future to the Ibrox club with a new deal, will spend the upcoming campaign at Rugby Park under Neil McCann and Billy Dodds.
Rice endured a frustrating season last term, with injuries limiting his opportunities and restricting him to just one senior appearance, in the Premier Sports Cup.
Now, the highly-rated prospect will be aiming to follow in the footsteps of fellow Rangers loanee Findlay Curtis, who impressed during his spell at Killie last season and earned a place in Scotland’s World Cup squad.
Rice admitted the chance to link up again with McCann played a major role in his decision to make the switch.
He said: “It’s a big club, and we’ve got a good team. I obviously know the gaffer and Doddsy well, so I’ve got a good relationship with them. I’m looking forward to it.
“I’ve been close with the manager here throughout my career for different reasons. He’s honest, he doesn’t hold anything back, and that’s what I like.
“I’ve got good vision when on the ball. I’m hoping I can take that onto the pitch, and take games by the scruff of the neck.”
Kilmarnock boss McCann believes the move presents a major opportunity for the teenager to realise his potential.
McCann said: “He’s someone I’ve known for a long time, even in his younger days. When we spent time at Rangers, we played him against Athletic Bilbao, and he came on against Dundee as well.
“Unfortunately, he didn’t manage to continue that progress under the new management team. He’s somebody that I’ve always kept an eye on and he’s got so much to offer us.
“The challenge for Bailey now is to get into our team. That’s a challenge I think he’s going to embrace.
“He’s got so much potential, but sooner or later, potential needs to be realised, and he’s got a chance here with us.”
With game time the priority, the loan move offers Rice a crucial platform to prove himself at Premiership level and push his way back into Rangers’ long-term plans.