Lewis Mayo has been confirmed as a Kilmarnock player for the upcoming 2022/23 season, having signed an extension prior to the loan move to Rugby Park.
It is a positive move, with clear benefits all round.
Firstly for the player, he gets to test himself at a higher level following a successful loan period at Partick Thistle last season. Obviously, Mayo will now be testing himself against the same opposition as the Rangers first team – the level that he wants to be at as well as giving Giovanni van Bronckhorst a direct impression of his ability and capability.
It is a significant challenge for the 22-year old but it’s now or never with a massive incentive to excel.
Another interesting contrast will be to assess the respective fortunes of Lewis Mayo and Leon King over the months ahead, with the latter remaining as part of the first team squad at Ibrox, with the approval of the manager.
📝 #RangersFC are today delighted to announce a contract extension for @ScotlandNT Youth International Lewis Mayo.
Mayo's new deal runs to the summer of 2024, and he will immediately join @KilmarnockFC on-loan until the end of this season. pic.twitter.com/ceGV7blHvu
— Rangers B & Academy (@RFC_Youth) June 23, 2022
Rangers and their player will be content with the arrangement, with Derek McInnes hoping to get the most out of it for his team.
The former Ranger and ex-Aberdeen manager returns to the Premiership after leading Kilmarnock to the second tier title in the last campaign and he will be keen for his team to make an impact.
He told Kilmarnock’s official website:
“Lewis started really well in his loan spell with Partick last season and showed signs that he’s clearly improving. We look forward to working closely with him to develop him and I’m sure he’ll help us in the challenges ahead.”
The immediate priority for the Scotland U21 international is to get into McInnes’ side and to stay there. If he achieves that feat with a string of strong performances, Rangers will take notice.