Bailey Rice arrives on loan

Kilmarnock Football Club is delighted to announce the loan signing of Bailey Rice, subject to international clearance.

The Scottish midfielder arrives at BBSP Stadium Rugby Park from Rangers on a deal until the end of the season.

Bailey, 19, had significant transfer interest from clubs around the UK and Europe before agreeing a new contract at Ibrox this summer.

Following the success of Findlay Curtis’ loan spell in Ayrshire, both clubs felt another arrangement was suitable for the next step in Bailey’s career, and so he will join up with Neil McCann’s side when they travel to Northern Ireland for the next part of their pre-season preparations.

“It’s a big club, and we’ve got a good team” Bailey told Killie TV after becoming our fourth summer signing. “I obviously know the gaffer and Doddsy well, so I’ve got a good relationship with them. I’m looking forward to it.

“I’ve been close with the manager here throughout my career for different reasons. He’s honest, he doesn’t hold anything back, and that’s what I like.

“I’ve got good vision when on the ball. I’m hoping I can take that onto the pitch, and take games by the scruff of the neck.”

Bailey started out at Motherwell but was snapped up by Rangers from the Fir Park youth system. He has spent the last four years at the Glasgow club, making 16 first team appearances, including a Europa League outing at Old Trafford.

He will wear number 49 during his time in Ayrshire – the same shirt he holds at Rangers.

McCann commented: “He’s someone I’ve known for a long time, even in his younger days. When we spent time at Rangers, we played him against Athletic Bilbao, and he came on against Dundee as well. Unfortunately, he didn’t manage to continue that progress under the new management team.

“He’s somebody that I’ve always kept an eye on and he’s got so much to offer us. The challenge for Bailey now is to get into our team. That’s a challenge I think he’s going to embrace.

“He’s got so much potential, but sooner or later, potential needs to be realised, and he’s got a chance here with us. He’s young with not an awful lot of game time behind him, so I’ve set him the task of getting himself to the stage where he’s pushing to get into the team. If he does that, he’s got the quality that can help us have a successful season.”