The 'tremendous' Bailey Rice feature Barry Ferguson immediately noticed at Rangers

Bailey Rice already has fans at Rangers as he continues his development at Kilmarnock.

The young midfielder is working with two familiar faces, Neil McCann and Billy Dodds, at BBSP Stadium Rugby Park.

After signing a new contract at the Gers, the 19-year-old Scot was loaned out to Killie to gain first-team experience.

Rice hasn't had the best start away from Ibrox, with Kilmarnock struggling for results early in the season.

McCann's team have had positive results in the William Hill Premiership since including the Glaswegian outfit's midfielder in the starting lineup.

The Govan side will hope the midfielder can make an impression in East Ayrshire, like Findlay Curtis did last season.

What Barry Ferguson noticed about Bailey Rice

Rice will certainly want to emulate Curtis at Kilmarnock and return to the Gers as a better player.

The Scottish youngster broke into the Light Blues' senior squad during the 2024-25 campaign and Ferguson showed immense faith in him.

As interim head coach, the Gers icon started Rice in the 0-0 draw against Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League quarter-final.

The former Scotland international has no doubt the young midfielder can enjoy a fruitful career if he works on himself.

Speaking on Five Stars VIP on 29 September, Ferguson said: "He has got a cultured left foot."

Presenter Michael Smith responded: "A tremendous left peg."

Ferguson then went on to say: "That stood out for me straight away when I saw him.

"He has still got aspects of his game he needs to work at. And if he works at them, he'll have a really bright future."

How Bailey Rice can be regular Ibrox starter next season

Curtis has become an important player in the first-team squad after his heroics at Kilmarnock last season.

The Scottish winger has featured in every game under Derek McInnes for the Gers.

Had it not been for the forward's impressive spell at Rugby Park, he may not have had a chance at the Light Blues this season.

If Rice can do the same at Killie, McInnes may have to consider giving him a first-team opportunity.

Nicolas Raskin is expected to depart the Govan side sooner rather than later, which will leave a massive void in the middle of the park.

The Glaswegian outfit's loaned-out player can certainly put himself in contention for a starting berth next season in G51 if everything goes to plan for him.