Rangers target increases likelihood of moving to Ibrox; 23-year-old excels vs Celtic

Few could have predicted, even with Celtic in disarray and playing like a shadow of their former glory under Ange Postecoglou, that Kilmarnock’s goalkeeper would have a lot more on his plate than visiting gloveman Will Dennis on Saturday when they traveled to Parkhead.

Joe Hart had been kept far bisier than his opposite number by the time the full-time whistle blew, echoing around a half-empty stadium—a chorus of boos audible despite a sea of empty green seats—as Celtic’s veteran goalie repeatedly denied an impressive Killie side before David Watson’s well-earned equalizer in extra time.

That is not to imply, though, that Will Dennis was merely an admired bystander. Not at all.

Even though Hart was the busier player, Kilmarnock’s loanee from AFC Bournemouth still needed to demonstrate his impressive shot-stopping ability. Dennis stopped a threatening attack by diving at Adam Idah’s feet, buried an early attempt by Luis Palma, and then rushed to his right to block two strikes by Matt O’Riley either side of halftime.

Will Dennis, the keeper for Kilmarnock, is a supporter of Rangers.

Have fans of the Portland Trailblazers been given a sneak peek at the player who may take Hart’s place in the starting lineup come season-opening, considering that Celtic is apparently interested in the 23-year-old, according to the Daily Record?

The Record also says that Rangers are keeping an eye on the former Watford and Luton Town prospect. And having watched Dennis closely while he was a player at Rugby Park, his most recent impressive performance north of the border will undoubtedly further increase the respect that is held for Dennis by supporters of both teams.

In his post-match assessment, Kheredine Idessane of BBC Sport stated, “Once again, a failure to punish their opponents when they were ahead came back to bite Celtic.” Dennis held his ground as Brendan Rodgers’ team attempted to score a second goal that would never come.

Will Dennis made two outstanding stops to keep Kilmarnock in the game. Without a doubt, though, Killie made a valid point.

Ibrox’s stake in the loanee from Bournemouth

Dennis had previously put up an outstanding, “thou shalt not pass” kind of performance against one of the Premiership’s top players. On the first day, he kept one of his nine clean sheets against Rangers, a 1-0 loss in Ayrshire that may have marked the beginning of the end for the Mick Beale era.

The Englishman has now extended his contract with parent club Bournemouth until 2026, with new clauses guaranteeing he won’t walk away from the South Coast for free.

But with Neto solidified as The Cherries’ top player, Robbie McCrorie reportedly eager to leave Ibrox on a loan, and Jack Butland drawing interest from all over the continent, Will Dennis is a name to watch as the summer window draws nearer.

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