Spurs starlet reveals what convinced him to join Rangers

3 godzin temu

Tottenham prodigy Mikey Moore has revealed how his teammates' glowing reports of Ibrox convinced him to join Rangers on a season-long loan. The 18-year-old attacker made his debut in Saturday's 4-2 Premier Sports Cup victory over Alloa after signing a new long-term contract with Spurs.

Moore missed Tottenham's Europa League group stage clash with Rangers last December, which finished 1-1 at a packed Ibrox. The teenager had been part of Spurs' run to the Europa League final last season, where they beat Manchester United 1-0 in the final, but injury ruled him out of the Rangers encounter.

"At the time I was out for a bit, so I couldn't come up (with Spurs), but I was watching on the TV and I was fuming that I couldn't," Moore said of missing the Rangers versus Spurs game. "When they came back, the lads said it was one of the best atmospheres they've ever played in."

The teenager's decision crystallised when Rangers showed interest in a loan move. "When I heard about Rangers, that came straight into my mind. I remembered all the good things the boys said, so, I can't wait to play in that sort of atmosphere," Moore explained.

Defoe's crucial advice

Jermain Defoe, Moore's coach at Tottenham and former Rangers striker, provided influential guidance in the decision. "Obviously I spoke to Jermaine Defoe, being my coach at Tottenham and I'm really close to him now. I spoke to him about the club and he didn't say a bad word about it," Moore revealed.

Defoe's endorsement was comprehensive and enthusiastic. "He said 'it's an unbelievable place' and he said 'if you've got a chance to go there, then take it'. What a player. What a guy as well. I was a bit younger (when he was at Rangers), but I know that he was an unbelievable finisher as a striker and the fans loved him up here and he said he loved his time up here. I think he wishes he could have played here longer."

According to the Daily Record, Moore's Rangers debut was delayed by registration issues tied to UEFA age requirements until his 18th birthday. The Daily Record reports that the attacker had made 19 appearances during Tottenham's Europa League-winning campaign last season.

Champions League ambitions

Moore is targeting a role in Tuesday's Champions League play-off first leg against Club Brugge at Ibrox. The Daily Record reports that qualification could be worth £40 million to Rangers.

"It's a massive game, as every game is when you play for Rangers. I'm excited for it. I seen some of the games in the earlier rounds and it's been good to qualify (for the play-off). So it's a massive opportunity for me and all the boys. I can't wait to go," Moore said.

The teenager has set ambitious personal targets for his European debut. "I've had some good experiences and I'm ready to go and show more, really. I want to make more of an impact on a European stage, so I'm ready to play. I want to just become a better player really, so I think there's massive opportunities at this club."

World-class aspirations

Moore's ultimate goals extend far beyond his loan spell in Glasgow. "I just want to play as many games as possible, score as many goals and excite as many people as I can. I want to play in the biggest competitions and I want to be one of the best players in the world, hopefully. I've signed a new contract at Spurs but at the minute I'm focused on playing here. I'm just buzzing to play in some massive games at this football club."

Sources used: "PA Media", "Daily Record", "Scotsman" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.

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