Northern Ireland teenager Lewis MacKinnon believes hard work and dedication will help him realise his boyhood dream of playing for Rangers .
The 16-year-old has taken a significant step in the right direction by signing a three-year professional contract with the Ibrox club.
MacKinnon joined Rangers alongside former Linfield teammate Ross McCausland during the summer, the pair becoming the latest Northern Ireland teens to make the move to Glasgow.
The Co Down defender is on the right path, but he accepts there is a long way to go before he can etch his name on Steven Gerrard's first-team plans at Ibrox.
"The long-term ambition is to play for the first team. That is my dream," MacKinnon told Belfast Live Sport.
"I grew up supporting Rangers , so to one day line out for the first team would be unbelievable.
"But that is a long-term aim, and I have a lot of work to do before I even get anywhere near that.
"My short-term goals are to gain regular football with the underage teams, and then get a chance with the reserves. This is only the beginning of my journey with Rangers but I been loving it so far."
Former Bangor Grammar student MacKinnon joined Rangers back in July after spending the past three years with Linfield.
He believes those experiences with the Belfast Blues prepared him for what to expect at Ibrox.
"Linfield is a massive club and it is so professional," he added.
"When I joined Linfield I noticed how big a leap it was to the football I had experienced before. I really had to raise my game but it was a crucial learning curve for me.
"Now I have jumped up another couple of levels. Moving to Rangers, you realise how consistent you have to be. It is constant, every day. And you have to be at the top of your game in every training session and every match.
"If you don't, then there will be one or two teammates ready to jump into your position.
"Things have been going well so far. It does take a wee while to adjust to everything. You dream of being a full-time footballer, and then suddenly it happens.
"But you can't dwell on the situation for too long. You have to hit the ground running.
"I am involved with the Under 18s and we have started the season well. We have played seven games and won all seven, and I have been earning regular game time.
"I also have the likes of Ross (McCausland) and Chris McKee here which makes the transition easier."
MacKinnon - another graduate from the Irish FA's successful ClubNI programme - helped Northern Ireland win the Victory Shield last year.
He is currently in Luxembourg with the Northern Ireland Under 17 squad taking part in a mini-tournament also involving Italy and Turkey.
They complete their group campaign on Wednesday against the hosts.
"I enjoy coming away with the Northern Ireland lads. I also have big ambitions at international level," MacKinnon added.
"I want to progress up through the age ranks and hopefully get involved with the Under 19s next year.
"Like Rangers, I realise how much work is required to get there."
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