RYAN KENT had critics to silence and doubters to win over when he arrived at Ibrox in the summer.
But the winger admits he is his own harshest judge as he looks to make a name for himself at Rangers.
Loan spells at Coventry, Barnsley, Freiburg and Bristol City have given Kent a mixture of insights and experiences during the formative years of his career.
Now, though, he is reaping the rewards of a move across the border and the chance to work with Steven Gerrard.
After finding his feet this term, Kent has come to the fore in recent weeks and become an increasingly important part of the Light Blues’ forward line.
He said: “I think there is a great balance across the front line. We have got the confidence when we have got the ball in the final third, with the back four and the midfield backing us up behind, that we can take risks and we can afford to try new things.
“Especially for me, I have got goal scorers there so if I can find that yard of space and find them I am confident that they are going to put the ball away.
“I think, more than anything, I have got a point to prove to myself.
“I will always be my number one critic. For me, this season is all about finding myself again and recreating myself as a footballer.
“After last years’ disappointment, it has been a great start to the season for myself, and the club as well.”
The season has brought 17 appearances and two goals - against Dundee and Hearts - for Kent so far and his performances have increased in quality as the games have been ticked off.
He has settled into life at Ibrox with relative ease and is thankful for the support he has been given on and off the park since completing his loan switch from Liverpool.
Kent said: “It has been made really easy, all the players and staff have helped me settle in easily and I am thoroughly enjoying myself.
“The fans have been incredible throughout my time here so far so hopefully we can keep pushing on and I can keep enjoying my football.
“The fans have a big part to play in our performances and I think you can see that in the results that we have had recently.
“Especially for me when I pick the ball up and I can hear all the fans get behind me, it gives a great deal of confidence.
“They are up there with the best fans in the world and you can see that with the atmosphere in each game.”
The Ibrox crowd have been rejuvenated by Gerrard’s arrival this season and the win over Rapid Vienna this month saw the roof raised.
With Spartak Moscow to come next week, top of the table Rangers have their sights set on a Europa League knockout round berth.
“I think it was incredible for any footballer, regardless of your age, to be part of that game,” Kent told the Official Rangers Podcast. “It was an incredible night for myself and it was topped off with a great result as well.
“I don’t think we will get too carried away with where we are in the table at the moment.
“We will just keep carrying on our good results and hopefully we will prevail in the group after that.”
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