Kilmarnock bank on familiar face as Rice arrives on loan

Kilmarnock have secured the loan signing of 19‑year‑old Rangers midfielder Bailey Rice until the end of the season, after he made 16 first‑team appearances for the Ibrox club, including a League Cup outing last term. He previously worked with head coach Neil McCann and assistant Billy Dodds during their time on Barry Ferguson's temporary Rangers staff.

McCann's familiarity with Rice, built during their collaboration at Rangers, gave the Ayrshire club confidence in the youngster's ability to adapt quickly. The loan follows the successful spell of fellow Rangers midfielder Findlay Curtis, who scored five goals in 14 appearances for Kilmarnock and earned a senior Scotland cap and World Cup squad place.

Rice told Killie TV, 'It's a big club, and we've got a good team. I obviously know the gaffer and Doddsy well, so I've got a good relationship with them.' 'I'm looking forward to it,' he added, noting his desire to use his vision on the ball to influence games.

Head coach Neil McCann said, '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,' he recalled, adding that Rice had struggled to maintain progress under the new Rangers management.

McCann believes the loan presents a challenge for Rice to break into Kilmarnock's starting lineup, a test he is expected to embrace. For Rangers, the spell offers the 19‑year‑old regular senior minutes, while Kilmarnock gain a midfielder with proven vision and familiarity with the coaching staff.

Rice, 19, logged 16 first‑team appearances for Rangers, with one of those coming in last season's League Cup. Those outings, though limited, demonstrated his capacity to compete at the Scottish Premiership level.