Mikey Moore felt the “love” of the adoring Rangers support for his man-of-the-match performance and goal in Saturday’s 4-1 William Hill Premiership win over Aberdeen.
Rangers keep in touch in title race with win over Aberdeen
Midfielder Tochi Chukwuani opened the scoring at Ibrox in the 35th minute before the 18-year-old fans’ favourite – on loan from Tottenham – added a second with his sixth goal of the season, three minutes into the second half after being set up by Ryan Naderi.
Dennis Geiger reduced the deficit in the 52nd minute but a strike from midfielder Nico Raskin and a stunning free-kick from skipper James Tavernier moved Danny Rohl’s side back to within three points of leaders Hearts going into the international break and with seven fixtures remaining.
The home fans chanted Moore’s name and he received rapturous applause when he was replaced late on.
“I feel the love from the fans in the stadium and I think they’ve taken to me really well,” said the teenager.
“For a loan player, I think they’ve been unbelievable with me, especially with the way we started (the season) and the way I started personally.
“For them to still back me and sing my name, it’s been something special, so I’m grateful.
“It was a really good team performance and we done well to come out with three points.”
Asked about the possibility of extending his time at the Ibrox club, Moore gave fans some caveated encouragement.
He said: “I’ve loved every single second I’ve been here, the club is special and special to me now.
“I’m just going to enjoy the next seven games and obviously I need to speak to people back home and you never know what can happen.
“I don’t know if there’s been much club-to-club contact yet but I know that people spoke to me and the people around me, so conversations are happening and we’ll see what happens.
“I’m going to speak to people and just try and find the best solution for me.
“But this has been unbelievable for and if it’s right for me next year, then I’d love to stay here, but we have to see what’s going on.”
Rangers determined to sign Premier League duo this summer
Rangers are determined to bring Moore back to the club this summer, whether that be permanently or another loan, and they also want to lock up a long-term deal for Nasser Djiga, Football FanCast sources understand.
Talks to bring Moore back to Ibrox are ongoing, and sources at the club believe he is worth smashing their current transfer record for, as any future sale would eclipse that figure anyway.
Indeed, there is confidence Moore’s valuation could reach £50m if he keeps thriving under Rohl, having scored six times and provided two assists in the Premiership this season.
Djiga would be no cheap deal either, with Wolves expected to hold out for a ‘substanial’ fee, but Rangers are determined to back the manager this summer in an attempt to topple Celtic and Hearts.
Rohl confirms “conversations” over first summer signing; Rangers are already working on the deal
The Gers mean business.