Northern Ireland teenager Mason Munn has spoken of his family pride after finally getting his hands on the Scottish Youth Cup at Hampden Park.
The 18-year-old was left "heartbroken" after he was an unused substitute in last year's final when the young Gers lost on penalties to Old Firm rivals Celtic.
Fast forward 12 months and Munn took centre stage with a brilliant display at Hampden, denying Aberdeen with a string of world-class saves as Rangers claimed a 2-1 victory at the home of Scottish football.
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Findlay Curtis (penalty) and Josh Gentles got the crucial goals for Rangers, after they went behind.
The Donaghadee 18-year-old told the club's website: “It’s absolutely amazing because missing out last year, I just really, really wanted to do it this year. I mentioned it in previous interviews how much it meant to me to go and win it.
“I thought it was a big blow when we went 1-0 down, but we went up the other end and Findlay scored the penalty. And from that moment onwards, we had belief that we were going to win the game.
“My family travelled over last year and I didn’t play. It was a bit heartbreaking for them to see me on the bench, but I played my part this year.
"It’s obviously a really proud moment for myself and my family who were watching. It’s like scoring a goal as a goalkeeper to make such a big save like I did towards the end."
Munn wasn't the only Northern Ireland representative in the final. Blaine McClure played the last 30 minutes and Callum Burnside was a late substitute for Rangers, while Brendan Hamilton played the full 90 minutes for Aberdeen.
Rangers Under 18 manager Stevie Smith added: “Mason, again, showed big saves in the semi-final shooutout, and we know he’s capable of that. He keeps producing big moments and, for a Rangers goalkeeper, you need to continue to do that.
"When you get to this point, it becomes the best you can replicate in terms of the first-team and the pressure to go and win the trophy. We came here to win and they’ve achieved that, so fair play to them.”
Munn has been impressing for Rangers over the past year, throwing him onto the radar of several clubs including Arsenal.
He started his young career at Amateur League club Abbey Villa - where his dad Jon is a club legend - before moving to Glentoran. He joined Rangers in the summer of 2022.
Munn has also represented Northern Ireland at underage level.
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