Zebedee Lawson could barely contain his emotions after making his first-team debut for Rangers in the Scottish Cup victory over Annan Athletic, describing the experience as everything he had dreamed of and more.
The 17-year-old, who was a late call-up to the matchday squad, came on in the second half of Rangers 5–0 win at Ibrox to help see out the tie and book the club’s place in the fifth round.
“Over the moon,” Lawson said with a smile, when asked about his mood post-match.
“Obviously, coming on, I just couldn't imagine what it would feel like. but, it was as good.”
The youngster revealed that the news of his inclusion came as a complete surprise.
“I was in my room when I got called,” he explained. “I just showered, I was just so happy.
“I went and called my mum, called my dad. They wouldn't let me off the phone the whole day.”
For Lawson, having his family in the stands made the night even more special.
“A great moment, proud moment for all of them, and for me as well, and for the people that have helped me to get here,” he said.
“It's been a good journey.”
The winger, who joined the club from English Premier League side Brighton this past Summer, credited Rangers head coach Danny Rohl for helping him stay calm before stepping onto the Ibrox pitch.
“Before the match, he was telling me to make sure that I'm ready, to make sure that I'm doing what I do, and not to let the pressure or anything get to me,” Lawson revealed.
Despite the occasion, Lawson looked comfortable when he entered the match, showing confidence on the ball and a willingness to take on defenders.
The teenager had already faced Annan earlier in the season at Under-19s level, but doing so in front of a packed Ibrox was a completely different experience.
For Lawson, moments like this are exactly why he joined Rangers in the first place.
“Yeah, for moments like this, to play on that field, to play at first team football, and to show what I can do, and to help us win stuff,” he said.
The debut has only increased his hunger to earn more opportunities with the senior squad.
“It gives me so much more motivation, helping me to push forward, put in extra, and continue doing what I'm doing,” Lawson added.
With Rangers progressing comfortably in the Scottish Cup and competition for places high under Rohl, Lawson knows chances will not come easily. But his positive attitude and clear confidence suggest he is ready to seize them when they arrive.
The youngster’s journey from academy football to Ibrox under the lights has been a rapid one, but Lawson remains grounded and focused on the work ahead.
Supported by his family, encouraged by his manager, and motivated by his debut, the teenager’s first appearance in a Rangers shirt could be the beginning of an exciting chapter.
Head coach Rohl confirmed post match he had also wanted to include 15-year-olds Kyle Glasgow and Ashton Scally but was unable to due to SFA rules on players under 16.