Findlay Curtis knows opportunities at Rangers are never guaranteed, especially for a young player navigating managerial change, squad turnover and intense scrutiny.
That made his first start since an away match with Panathinaikos in July, and his first under Danny Röhl, all the more meaningful as Rangers prepared for another crucial Premiership test against Hibernian at Ibrox.
The winger has experienced a stop-start campaign. A promising summer and a late goal away to St Mirren in August gave way to a period of waiting, but Curtis never doubted that his chance would come - even after the departure of the previous head coach Russell Martin.
“Obviously in training you need to be the best player in training,” Curtis said.
“I’m just impressed with the manager and I’m happy I got a start tonight.”
That trust from Danny Röhl did not arrive by accident.
The head coach said after the draw with Braga that Curtis would “get his opportunity,” and last night that chance arrived.
Rangers recent run has been built on resilience rather than fluency, something Curtis believes says a lot about the character inside the dressing room - particularly given the young age profile of the squad.
“I think the character and the dressing room,” he said.
“Obviously the boys are all buzzing now. Like I’ve said, it’s a massive three points.”
With Rangers now grinding out results and closing ground domestically, Curtis is focused firmly on what comes next.
“We’ll just keep on working away,” he added.
“Obviously we’ve got Hearts on Sunday, so we’ll look forward to that.”
Curtis, a boyhood Rangers fan, is acutely aware of the support he receives from the stands.
Ibrox has not been short of voices calling for him to be given a run in the side, and while he appreciates that backing, he knows it must be matched with output.
“I think it’s just about obviously working hard,” he said.
“I’ve scored a couple of goals from July to August.
“I think it’s just about working hard and training.
“Obviously, you have to enjoy that backing as well.”
Patience has been a recurring theme in Curtis answers - and not just his own.
The winger acknowledged the level of competition he faces, particularly from more experienced players who have carried the brunt of criticism this season.
“Obviously a lot of competition came in the summer and it’s good to have competition,” he said.
“I think it’s just working myself away and once you get that chance, you need to take it.”
That message has been reinforced internally, with Curtis revealing he has been encouraged to stay focused and trust the process.
“He just said be patient,” Curtis explained.
“Just keep on knuckling down and training and your rewards will come.”
Curtis also credited Röhl for his directness and clarity.
“I think he’s been very good to me,” he said.
“He’s been very honest.
“He’s told me bits where I’ve been very good and told me bits where I need to work on.”
The winger sees the emergence of fellow young players, including loanee Mikey Moore, as a positive rather than a threat.
“I think Mikey’s been brilliant,” Curtis said.
“A huge addition to the squad. His hard work in training has been paying off.”
For Curtis, the message is simple. Rangers are young, ambitious and learning - and fear has no place.
“There’s no fear at a club like Rangers,” he said.
“You just need to take it and grasp it.”
Now, the challenge is to do exactly that against the league leaders on Sunday afternoon.