As new talents emerge in a fresh chapter for Rangers, Russell Martin has consistently expressed his willingness to be impressed by the squad he has inherited.
Findlay Curtis appears to be one such surprise, as the young player was chosen to start on the left wing in Martin's first competitive match at Ibrox.
In the first leg of the Champions League second-round qualifier against Panathinaikos, the 18-year-old made only his sixth appearance for Rangers and his second start.
"He possesses the athleticism and talent to play in this team, but he also has the character," Martin stated before the match.
During a first half that Martin described as "uncomfortable," Curtis helped alleviate the tension by demanding the ball, cutting inside, and delivering a spectacular goal to kickstart Martin's tenure.
Scoring his first senior goal, Curtis turned the tide and drew praise from former Rangers wingers.
"Brilliant, son. He's a cool cat, I tell you," commented ex-Ibrox winger and coach Neil McCann on Premier Sports. "That's a fantastic finish, I love that," added Peter Lovenkrands on BBC Sportsound.
Martin's Rangers 'Not Yet the Finished Article'
Martin acknowledged that Curtis faced "some tough moments" in the opening half, yet on his first European start, the youngster nearly single-handedly shifted the game's momentum at Ibrox.
Just six minutes after scoring, another deft touch and driving run by Curtis led to Panathinaikos' Georgios Vagiannidis receiving a second yellow card.
This dismissal allowed Rangers to dominate a match that had initially overwhelmed them, with Curtis' substitute, Djeidi Gassama, securing a crucial two-goal advantage with another impressive goal.
"We knew it would be challenging - they are a very good team," Martin told BBC Scotland. "We experienced some uncomfortable moments in the first half."
"We are far from the finished product, but the players demonstrated character and a willingness to fight and support one another. As the game progressed, they managed the ball better."
'Perfect Result Doesn't Tell the Full Story'
During a challenging opening period, Curtis was not the only one struggling. After a promising start, Rangers lost control by frequently conceding possession, allowing the visitors multiple opportunities.
By halftime, Panathinaikos had achieved 22 touches in the opposition box, compared to Rangers' six.
The home team had goalkeeper Jack Butland, reinstated to the starting lineup after being benched last season, to thank for at least three excellent saves.
Martin praised Butland as an "outstanding goalkeeper" and urged his players to approach next week's second leg, broadcast live on the BBC, with "the same mentality and willingness to run and more."
Former Rangers striker Steven Thompson advised caution despite the "perfect" first-leg result.
"Perhaps [the result] doesn't fully reflect the match," he noted on BBC Sportsound. "Until the sending-off, Panathinaikos were very much in the game."
"Rangers have put themselves in a strong position, but it's not over yet. European football is challenging, and Panathinaikos will feel they have a point to prove."
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