Findlay Curtis hailed after Rangers youngster’s memorable Scotland cameo vs Haiti

Scotland ended a 36-year wait for a World Cup victory in the early hours of Sunday morning, edging past Haiti 1-0 with Rangers youngster Findlay Curtis making a late appearance in a historic moment.

Curtis was introduced during the closing stages, featuring for the final minutes as Steve Clarke’s side held firm under late pressure to secure their first win at football’s biggest tournament since 1990.

Although the Rangers winger had limited time to make a major attacking impact, reaction to his cameo from the Scottish media has largely been encouraging.

The 19-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Kilmarnock, where he impressed with five goals and one assist in 14 appearances. Much of his development came away from Ibrox, with regular game time helping raise his profile ahead of a potentially important campaign back at Rangers.

Against Haiti, Curtis entered the game at a tense stage as Scotland looked to protect their slender advantage. With Haiti pushing hard for an equaliser, opportunities to influence play in the final third were limited.

The Scotsman rated the teenager’s display a four out of ten, noting that he offered a useful outlet late on despite picking up a booking for a high challenge.

The Daily Record also highlighted his contribution, praising Curtis for helping ease pressure on Scotland with a couple of promising late breaks as Clarke’s side tried to see out the result.

Not all verdicts were glowing, however, with Herald Scotland suggesting the youngster had little involvement beyond delivering one misplaced cross.

Despite mixed reviews, there was broad agreement that Curtis handled the occasion well enough in difficult circumstances.

More significantly, the appearance saw him make history. At just 19 years and 255 days old, Curtis became the youngest player ever to feature for Scotland at a World Cup — another milestone in what is quickly becoming a promising rise for the Rangers prospect.

Back at club level, Curtis now returns to an uncertain situation at Ibrox. After an eye-catching loan spell, he had hoped to push for regular first-team involvement next season, but managerial upheaval could alter the picture.

With Danny Röhl expected to leave Rangers and Derek McInnes closing in on the job, Curtis may soon have a new manager to impress. Given Rangers’ struggles in wide areas last season, the youngster will believe opportunities are there to force his way into the conversation.

Further minutes at the World Cup could only strengthen his case.