HE scored the goal that gave Dunfermline a potentially precious point in the Irn-Bru first division title race, yet for Rory Loy the biggest boost of the day arrived after the final whistle.
On loan from Rangers, the teenager looked genuinely stunned and elated to learn that his Murray Park peer John Fleck had completed 90 minutes of the Ibrox side's 3-1 win over Falkirk on Saturday.
For Loy, the next challenge is to join Fleck in the Rangers first team. His short-term loan at Dunfermline expires at the end of the month and he is open to the prospect of extending it. His long-term ambitions, however, lie in Govan.
"I didn't realise Flecky had started," said Loy, whose goal was the only bright spot on a forgettable day for the Fifers.
"It's great to see guys like Flecky getting a chance and that's my ultimate aim - to play for the Rangers first-team.
"If it means staying at Dunfermline for a bit longer and trying to prove myself, that's what I'll do. I want to play first-team football and I'm getting it here. I'm due back at Rangers later this month, but we'll wait and see what happens."
Dunfermline, presently on the coat tails of St Johnstone at the summit, were "absolutely abysmal" in the first half according to their manager, Jim McIntyre. He was being kind with that summation.
Airdrie, bottom of the table, swarmed all over the hosts in the opening 45 minutes. Joe Cardle and Steven McDougall caused chaos on the flanks, while Paul Di Giacamo's movement continually posed problems for Scott Wilson.
As the home side toiled to do the basics, Airdrie passed the ball with style and purpose.
It took only 15 minutes for them to take the lead, with Simon Lynch converting Matthew Hazley's corner.
McIntyre dusted down the riot act at the break and read a few lines to his players. It had the required impact as Loy squared the game four minutes after the restart. The goal was a disaster for Airdrie defender Marc Smyth. He had an otherwise fine 90 minutes but his slip allowed Loy to home in on goal and squeeze a shot under Lee Hollis.
"We're delighted with Rory and we'd like to have him at the club for a bit longer," said McIntyre. "Hopefully, Rangers will allow that. He's due to go back there at the end of the month, but we'll have dialogue between now and then. I'd love to keep him until the end of the season."
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