On my last day at Gers I went in to pick up my stuff but I never spoke to anyone. I have no regrets ..I gave the club 100% every day but in the end it wasn't to be. I know they'll get back to where they are meant to belong

AMIDST a flurry of activity at Rangers this summer, Cole McKinnon left the club virtually unnoticed.

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After eight years of graft, trying to force his way into the Ibrox first-team, the 22-year-old quietly slipped out of Auchenhowie.

It's a new dawn at Gers with American owners, Russell Martin as gaffer and fresh cash to spend on players.

Maybe that's why McKinnon's exit, after making four appearances and scoring on his Rangers debut, barely registered.

But for the player himself, it could be a pivotal moment in his career.

Because somehow, as a fan of the club, he has to get his head around the fact he isn't a Rangers player any more.

McKinnon thought he was dealing with his departure fairly well when he left the training ground for the last time after a short chat with ex-technical director Nils Koppen.

But it was only when he started typing out a farewell note on social media that it really hit him.

McKinnon had to leave his house and go for a walk to clear his head - and come to terms with the reality of having to find a new club.

And he will - because if he's talented enough to be trusted to play in Europe for Rangers, he will surely be snapped up by another SPFL outfit or a team further afield.

McKinnon made his senior bow in May 2022 under ex-gaffer Gio van Bronckhorst at Tynecastle, where he scored in a 3-1 victory over Hearts.

After a loan spell at Partick Thistle he returned to his parent club and featured in a Europa League tie from the bench against Benfica.

Later, he came on as a sub at Ibrox in a 5-2 Premiership win over Dundee, to fulfil a boyhood dream.

But now he has to look elsewhere to further his career.