Curtis revels in dream Euro debut and praise from Sir Alex

Findlay Curtis was so excited to make his first European start for Rangers against Panathinaikos that, the night before the game, the 18-year-old lay awake in bed, thinking ahead to the biggest moment in his fledgling career.

"My mum came through to me and was like you need to get your sleep," the winger said after his superb opening goal set Rangers on their way to a 2-0 victory in the first leg of their Champions League second round qualifier.

"I found out I was starting on Tuesday morning when the manager named the team and I was speechless. I just texted my mum and dad and told them and they started crying. It was a good family moment."

Curtis, like the rest of his team, struggled to make an impact in the first half as Panathinaikos threatened to spoil Russell Martin's first competitive match in charge.

The Greek side missed a host of chances, with goalkeeper Jack Butland coming to Rangers' rescue on numerous occasions.

After some words of encouragement from his teammates and manager at half-time, Curtis settled down and started to play his game.

His two key involvements – the opening goal and then drawing the foul from Georgios Vagiannidis that led to the Panathinaikos right-back being sent off for a second yellow card – turned the game.

"I'm absolutely delighted," Curtis said. "Winning 2-0 and taking it over to Athens, it's just halfway in the tie and we're looking forward to the next game.

"The first 10 minutes, I thought we started well and then there was a 10-15 minute period where it was dead sloppy.

"We came in half time and had a chat about it and came back out second half and I thought we changed."

Recalling his opening goal, Curtis said: "The first touch was the best part about it.

"That gave me that confidence boost to obviously take defenders on and obviously the one with the red card, I took a touch inside and obviously [Vagiannidis] got sent off.

"I think that confidence boost comes from passing the ball right and just doing the right things and right habits."

A dream night for Curtis was rounded off with some praise from former Rangers striker and Manchester United, Aberdeen and Scotland manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

"He just congratulated me on my goal," Curtis said.

"Listen, coming from a legend like that, I'll take it and obviously that's another dream come true, playing in the Champions League for this club."