Talented Rangers youngster Blaine McClure says joining Kelty Hearts on loan was a crucial step, and that his time at the League One club has only served him well.
The 18-year-old departed Linfield for Ibrox in 2023. He played with Rangers' under-18s in the first half of the season, before having to make a decision on whether to stay or seek senior minutes out on loan.
After a conversation with under-18s boss Stevie Smith, McClure opted for the latter: "I thought it would be a crucial step whether to go or not, and I was in my two minds about it", he said (rangers.co.uk).
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"I spoke to Stevie Smith, who has been in that situation before as a player, and he thought it was best for me. I wanted to see what the next challenge was and test myself against players who are more experienced and physical than I am. It was beneficial and, looking back now, I don’t regret the decision.
"Playing Under-18s football is completely different. At a club like Rangers, all you want to do is win, and at Kelty Hearts, there was the sense that the manager’s job depended on the three points as well as the morale of the dressing room. It was good going out and getting that competitiveness with Kelty."
McClure made 13 appearances for Kelty after joining them on loan in the middle of last season.
Contracted at Rangers until 2026, he thinks his spell in the lower leagues will only serve him well: "I definitely took more confidence from my game, especially playing against more experienced players," he said.
"I feel as if I’ve proved myself as well, going out and getting men’s football.
"I also feel as if I’ve added a streetwise element to my game, because going there, if you’re one or 2-0 up and going for the win, you need to be more streetwise than at Under-18s level.
"Those players have been in the game a long time and they drill it into you. I feel more confident after going out and testing myself."
