Rangers Manager Has A Clear Plan For This 20-Year-Old Winger: Is McInnes Right?

Rangers Manager Has A Clear Plan For This 20-Year-Old Winger: Is McInnes Right? Rangers remain in the Scottish Premiership title race under Derek McInnes, with a Scottish League Cup final appearance adding another opportunity for silverware. Their 1-0 semi-final victory over Aberdeen has strengthened those domestic ambitions during the 2026/27 campaign. McInnes expects his wide players to stretch defences, attack space and recover quickly when Rangers surrender possession. The right flank has become particularly productive since the club paid £8.5 million to sign South Korean international Minsu Kim from Girona during the summer. Kim has established himself as a key attacking option. His averages of 2.49 chances created and 2.21 successful dribbles per 90 minutes prove his influence, while his performances have attracted interest from Premier League and La Liga clubs. Rangers reportedly fear that such attention could unsettle the winger, although no departure has been confirmed. Findlay Curtis, meanwhile, has lost his early-season prominence. The 20-year-old returned from a productive Kilmarnock loan, where he scored five goals, and initially featured regularly under McInnes. His direct runs, movement and versatility across either flank previously produced five goal contributions in 21 Rangers appearances. Kim’s performances have restricted Curtis to 16 appearances across competitions this season, primarily from the bench. The Scotland international has yet to score or assist and hasn’t started since early September, prompting speculation that another loan could provide the minutes required for his development. Pete O’Rourke’s exclusive report for Football Insider , however, indicates that McInnes has no intention of allowing Curtis to leave during January. The Rangers manager rates the youngster highly and expects the congested winter schedule to provide opportunities, including important starts, as the club continues competing for domestic honours. Should Rangers block a January loan for Curtis? GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 20: Findlay Curtis of Rangers is seen during the William Hill Premiership 2026/27 match between Celtic and Glasgow Rangers at Celtic Park on September 20, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) Rangers should retain Curtis until the season ends. His frustration over limited starts is understandable, but allowing him to leave before resolving Kim’s future would create an unnecessary recruitment problem. If Premier League or La Liga interest develops into a serious offer, McInnes could suddenly lose two attacking options instead of one. Curtis already understands the manager’s tactical demands and can cover either wing without requiring another signing to settle mid-season. The winter schedule will bring rotation, fatigue and injuries, giving the youngster opportunities to contribute. His contract extension also protects Rangers’ investment in his development, making a temporary departure difficult to justify. For McInnes, keeping Curtis means having a familiar replacement available whenever Kim needs a rest or misses a match. Rangers can pursue their league and cup ambitions without weakening their attacking depth, while the youngster remains close enough to compete for a starting place.