What Derek McInnes will have learned about Bailey Rice's first Kilmarnock league display

Rangers gem Bailey Rice will have impressed Derek McInnes in his league debut for Kilmarnock.

The Ibrox prodigy was on the losing side against St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park as he made his first league appearances for his loan side.

The 19-year-old has endured a difficult time with the Govan side so far, making 16 appearances since he joined in 2022.

There was speculation that he would leave the Glasgow side at the end of his contract, but he signed fresh terms that run until the summer of 2027.

He joined the Rugby Park side and that gives the Light Blues a season to assess his quality in the Scottish Premiership.

His debut showing in the competition for his new club shows that he has what it takes to make an impact in the top-tier and the Gers boss was right to send him on loan.

How did Bailey Rice prove Derek McInnes right vs St Johnstone?

Rice will be eager to make an impression on McInnes and prove that he has a future with the G51 side.

Ibrox News covered the impact that the Ayrshire side had on Findlay Curtis, and the will hope that they can do the same with their latest loanee.

The data from his league bow suggests that he can, as he enjoyed an encouraging 31 minute cameo.

He completed 70 per cent of his pass attempts in the contest, and completed three passes into the final third, per Fotmob.

That shows that he is direct, willing to take risks in possession, rather than being conservative with the ball.

Defensively, he made two tackles and one block, and won three of the five ground duels that he attempted, for a 60 per cent success rate.

He clearly wants to help out with and without the ball, which can only serve him well, in terms of his future in Glasgow.

What's next for Rangers talent Rice?

The next thing for Rice is securing a place in the starting line-up, rather than coming on and shining from the bench.

If he can't earn that privilege under Neil McCann, the former Bears player, then he has little chance of making under McInnes.

The display against the Saints will help his chances, but he needs to maintain that level the next time that he gets onto the pitch.

If he gets a regular starting berth and makes a significant impact, then McInnes may feel like he is ready to be a part of his side.