Mikey Moore won’t forget 2025 in a hurry. He won a Europa League winner’s medal with Tottenham, joined Rangers on loan – and learned to cook.
The 18-year-old was on the bench in Spurs’ 1-0 win over Manchester United in the Europa final In Bilbao. Three months later he made his Rangers debut against Alloa in the Premier Sports Cup.
“It’s been a massive learning year for me, personally,” said the England youth international. “It’s been a top year of playing my first full year in football.”
Moore has made 21 appearances for Rangers, scoring twice, but admits he struggled to make an impact initially.
“It started tough,” he said. “It’s got better lately, so for me personally, mentally, physically, technically, it’s been massive for me, it’s helped me so much.
“This club’s been huge for my development. Before I came here I knew exactly what kind of pressure it would be, what I was coming into, so I was prepared for it. I think when I came, I thought I knew.
“This is the first time I’ve ever moved away from home. I’ve had to try and cook for myself, which has been a disaster. I’ll try my best anyway. Off the pitch, it’s been just as big of a learning curve as on the pitch.”
Moore feels he’s now ready to make a greater contribution as Rangers strive to get their title campaign back on track following the defeat by Hearts which left them 12 points behind the league leaders.
Danny Rohl’s men attempt to end Motherwell’s unbeaten league run when the Steelmen visit Ibrox on Saturday.
“We’ve got big games coming up where we can start to close the gap again,” Moore said.
“We need leaders and people to drive it. I think I can drive with my performances on the pitch. In the last few weeks I’ve felt more responsibility in myself to go and help the team going forward.
“I’ve got that belief in myself that I can be that person to try and drive us on the pitch. I think the more we get that, the more we’ll win games and the more we’ll pick up points.”
If Moore wasn’t fully aware of what life is like as a Rangers player when he signed up, he knows now.
“My girlfriend’s whole family are Rangers fans,” he added. “I get a message off my girlfriend’s dad all the time battering me if we lose, if we win. He’s loving me.
“I understand what it means to be here. I think I’ve had that support from the people in my family as well. You do need that, especially when you’re going through some hard times.
“My family have been a massive help for me. All of a sudden they’ve started to really build a relationship with the club. My mum’s all of a sudden the biggest Rangers fan. I love it.”