Former Celtic and Newcastle defender tipped for ‘bigger and better things’ after impressing for Kilmarnock

Rangers' Cedric Itten (left) competes with Stuart Findlay (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)

Kilmarnock defender Stuart Findlay has been tipped for future success after impressing during Rangers’ 1-0 win over the Ayrshire side this afternoon.

The SPFL Premiership league leaders needed a penalty to see off Alex Dyer’s side, and captain James Tavernier dispatched the first-half spot-kick for the three points which sent Steven Gerrard’s side clear by nine points.

However it was Kilmarnock defender Findlay who caught the eye of Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd - a former player with two spells for each side in the only league match of the afternoon.

He tipped Findlay to go on to bigger and better things after playing with the defender during his first spell at Rugby Park.

Kilmarnock's Stuart Findlay (right) with manager Alex Dyer (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)

Then on-loan from Celtic, the centre-back earned a move to Newcastle but has returned to Ayrshire on a permanent deal - and forced his way into the international reckoning too under former boss Steve Clarke.

Boyd said: “I was here when he came on loan from Celtic and he made mistakes.

“He went away to Newcastle and came back up and has been a terrific signing for Kilmarnock.

Will he go on to bigger and better things? Yes - he has all the attributes to be a top defender and he has shown that.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if we see him back in the Scotland squad.”

As well as his physical qualities, the former Scotland and Middlesbrough striker reckoned Findlay’s game has improved playing alongside a former team-mate at Kilmarnock.

Boyd added: “He has pace and he’s not a defender who relies on his pace - he sees and smells danger early and seems to be in the right position and playing beside Kirk Broadfoot helps him.

“He will leave Kilmarnock one day and has been a good servant, done really well and will go on to bigger and better things.”

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