Mikey Moore admits the past week has been “special” as the young winger continues to fall in love with life at Rangers ahead of Sunday’s trip to Pittodrie.
Fresh from scoring his first Old Firm goal in the dramatic 3–1 victory at Celtic Park and helping Rangers follow it up with another win over Aberdeen at Ibrox, Tottenham Hotspur loanee Moore is brimming with confidence as Danny Röhl’s side chase momentum in the title race.
“It’s been a special week, obviously with the Celtic game and winning the other day against Aberdeen,” Moore said.
“It couldn’t have been much better. It’s something I dreamed of when I came here, scoring in a game like that.”
The 18-year-old’s emotional celebration at Parkhead where he dodged police officers to celebrate with the travelling support quickly went viral – and Moore admits he made the most of the moment.
“Before the game, everyone said to me, imagine you scored today, imagine what it would feel like,” he explained.
“I went and enjoyed it with all the fans. It was a special feeling.”
Since arriving in Glasgow, Moore feels the Scottish game has accelerated his development both physically and mentally.
“It’s been nice to play consistently and get into a rhythm,” he said.
“Up here it’s a different challenge to where I was before.
“Physically and mentally it’s developed me loads because the standard of football is very high.”
He believes the intensity of Scottish football has forced him to raise his levels.
“The teams we play against are very physical and they make it hard for us,” Moore added.
“So for me, technically and physically, I’ve had to improve.
“The mental side has helped me so much as well.”
Much of that growth, Moore says, comes from the positive environment created by Danny Röhl and his coaching staff.
“He’s come in and gave confidence to all of us and brought a real positive energy,” Moore said.
“We’re playing a bit freer, just taking it game by game and enjoying it with each other.”
The German coach has also worked closely with Moore on an individual level.
“I have one-to-one meetings with the assistant [Matthias Kaltenbach], and he helps me with clips,” Moore explained.
“The gaffer is there when I need him. He’s relaxed, chilled out and he’s been top with all of us.”
Moore remains unapologetically ambitious about his long-term goals.
“If I haven’t got the self-belief that I can be one of the best players in the world, then what’s the point?” he said.
“This loan move, I’ve still got a long way to go, but game by game I’m improving as a person and as a footballer.”
With Rangers now sitting joint-second in the Scottish Premiership and closing in on Hearts, Moore insists the squad are staying grounded.
“It’s nice to be up there, but it can change very quickly,” he said.
“We’re not happy where we are. We want to be sitting at the top of the table.”
He believes belief is growing inside the dressing room.
“Now people have started to realise what position we’re really in,” Moore added.
“All the boys have come together and there’s a good togetherness in the group.”
Sunday’s return to Pittodrie will bring a different challenge – something Moore is well aware of.
“When you go away in this league, it’s never an easy game,” he said.
“We need to go there with a mentality that we’re going to be at our very best.”
Moore also admits the pressure of life in Glasgow has been an education.
“You can’t walk the street without somebody either having a pop at you or giving you a cheer,” he said.
“It’s been a special experience to feel what the club is really about.”
For a young player learning fast, thriving under pressure, and embracing the expectations of Ibrox, Moore looks every bit at home in royal blue.