Rangers teenager Cole McKinnon insists he’ll be realising a lifelong dream to play in an Old Firm at Ibrox this weekend - even if it's a B team derby.
David McCallum’s Lowland League side take on their city rivals in a second string encounter which is set to attract a bumper crowd with Gio van Bronckhorst ’s first team not in action until 24 hours later.
And midfielder McKinnon can’t wait to get a taste of the Ibrox atmosphere after switching from the reserves’ usual base in Dumbarton.
McKinnon said: “I can't wait. I’ve been a Rangers fan my whole life so it is a dream come true to play at Ibrox - especially to play in an Old Firm match.
“Ever since the game was scheduled we’ve been buzzing.
“When we are playing at Dumbarton with fans there it is great so the extra numbers at Ibrox will make it even more exciting.”
McKinnon, 19, spent last season on loan at East Fife but has returned to be a steady performer for McCallum’s young Gers.
He is desperate to follow in the footsteps of fellow reserve stars Alex Lowry, Leon King and Charlie McCann, all of whom have had a taste of the top team after starring in the Lowland League.
“You need to be performing well to get invited to the first-team. What you do personally determines whether you will get picked. If we continue to work hard we will get the opportunity.
“Hopefully the crowd gets behind us as much as possible to get the result we need.
“Alex [Lowry] got his chance in the first-team and it gives the rest of us a spark, it makes us think ‘it could be me’ and makes us work harder.
“Leon King, Charlie McCann and Alex Lowry are all getting great opportunities so hopefully more of us can get that chance and get round to the first-team environment soon.”
Meanwhile McCallum has challenged his B team stars to rise to the biggest occasion of most their careers.
Thousands are expected to turn out for the Celtic fixture.
And McCallum said: “Playing in front of the fans at Ibrox is an added incentive for the boys to reach the levels we believe we can.
“The environment will be different with the amount of supporters. It is a unique experience but we want them to get used to it.
“There’s a lot of interest from people who follow the players and this is an opportunity to see them in action.
“We want to put on a positive performance that puts us on the front foot and that will be the intention from the start.
“We always challenge the players but this game brings a lot of interest.
“The supporters bring an added edge to the game and we want to put on a performance for them.”
