By GARY KEOWN
Published: | Updated:
Mikey Moore insists he sees his season-long loan at Rangers as a platform to help him become one of the best players in world football.
The 18-year-old winger signed a new long-term contract at Tottenham Hotspur shortly after agreeing his move across the border and made his debut for the Ibrox outfit in their 4-2 home win over Alloa in the Premier Sports Cup.
Moore started brightly, setting up Nedim Bajrami for the opening goal, and showed flashes of his ability before being replaced by Thelo Aasgaard on 69 minutes.
He promises there is far more to come, though, and has set his sights high when addressing how big an incentive it is to show he can go on to become a bona-fide English Premier League player.
‘It’s massive for me,’ said Moore, who has been joined at Rangers by his England Under-19 team-mate Jayden Meghoma after he completed a loan move from Brentford. ‘I want to go and play in the biggest competitions and I want to be one of the best players in the world, hopefully.
‘I’ve signed a new contract at Spurs, but, at the minute, I’m focused on playing here. I’m just buzzing to go and play some massive games at this football club.
Loan signing Mikey Moore made his Rangers debut in the Premier Sports cup win against Alloa
Rangers have completed the signing of Brentford’s Jayden Meghoma on a season-long loan
Rangers boss Russell Martin says Meghoma has big potential, athleticism and a great attitude
‘I want to become a better player here and I think there are massive opportunities.
‘I just want to play as many games as possible, score as many goals and excite as many people as I can.’
And Moore is clear that he would like the chance to star in Tuesday’s Champions League qualifying play-off first leg against Belgians Club Brugge.
‘It’s a massive game, as every game is when you play for Rangers,’ he said. ‘I’m excited for it.
‘I saw some of the games in the earlier rounds and it’s been good to qualify, so it’s a massive opportunity for me and all the boys. I can’t wait.’
Moore made five outings for Spurs in the group stage of the Europa League last season, but missed out on the 1-1 group stage draw with Rangers at Ibrox because of illness. He then watched from the bench as the London club went on to win the tournament under former Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou.
He hopes those experiences under his belt will help him kick on in UEFA competition for Rangers this term.
‘It was a really good season in Europe for me and for the team, so I’ve had some good experiences and I’m ready to go and show more,’ he said.
‘I want to go and make more of an impact on a European stage.’
Meanwhile, new arrival Meghoma declared himself ‘hungry and excited’ to get going at Ibrox after being reunited with manager Russell Martin.
The 19-year-old left-back has joined Rangers on loan in a deal which paves the way for Jefte to complete an anticipated move back to Brazil to sign for Palmeiras.
Meghoma made his first-team debut for Southampton under Martin, making four cup appearances in all before signing for Brentford last summer. He has also made four appearances for the Bees and spent the second half of last season on loan at Preston.
He told the Rangers website: ‘I am very excited to be here, it is a fantastic club and I know a lot about the rich history of Rangers.
‘When the deal was presented to me, I thought straight away that it would be a fantastic opportunity for myself and my family.
‘The main thing for me is getting results. Rangers is a big club and I am ready, I am hungry and excited to get going.’
Ibrox head coach Martin added: ‘I am really pleased to welcome Jayden to Rangers. I have worked with him before and I know exactly what he brings. He is a young player with big potential, real athleticism and a great attitude.
‘He is hungry to learn and improve and I’m confident he’ll thrive in this environment. We’re excited to help him take the next step in his career here at Ibrox.’