JAMIE BARJONAS has thanked Light Blue mentor Kenny Miller for helping him on the road to first team glory at Rangers.

The midfielder made his Gers bow in the win over Partick Thistle last weekend and was handed his Ibrox debut by boss Pedro Caixinha on Saturday.

Barjonas replaced Jason Holt midway through the second half and produced a solid performance as Caixinha’s side clinched a 2-1 win.

Read more: Rangers 2-1 Hearts: Satisfaction and frustration for Pedro Caixinha as finishing line looms​Glasgow Times: Jamie Barjonas in action for Rangers

The 18-year-old has made the step up from the Gers Development Squad and he is grateful for the words of wisdom from experienced campaigner Miller.

He said: “Kenny Miler has been a big influence. He comes in on his days off to help the 20s and comes to 20s games.

“He is a brilliant athlete and he gives all the boys good motivation. He is a good role model for me personally and all the rest of the Under-20s.

“If you have got something to ask, he will sit down with you for hours and speak to you about whatever you want to speak about. He is always there to help and always there to motivate you.

“He just says to enjoy yourself, play your game and don’t be nervous, no matter if you are playing in front of 40 people or playing in front of 50,000 people.

Read more: Rangers 2-1 Hearts: Satisfaction and frustration for Pedro Caixinha as finishing line looms​

“Just do what you are good at, keep the ball, get back into position and work as hard as you can. That is all you can do.

“I have got a bit of strength about me, a good range of passing and I think my best strength is my composure on the ball.

“I have confidence to take the ball, keep the ball under pressure and keep it for the team.”

It has been a dream week for Barjonas as he has made his first two outings in Light Blue and helped Rangers to successive Premiership wins.

Boss Caixinha is set to overhaul his Gers squad in the summer but the midfielder is determined to remain in the Portuguese’s plans.

He said: “I am just taking every day as it comes, working as hard as I can in training and trying to catch the gaffer’s eye. When I get on the pitch, I let my feet do the talking and trying to do as much as I can for the team.

Read more: Rangers 2-1 Hearts: Satisfaction and frustration for Pedro Caixinha as finishing line looms​

“I am just taking every day as it comes. I am trying to kick-on as much as I can and working as hard as I can.

“I am hopeful [I can still be involved]. He is going to bring in quite a few players but I like that, it is a challenge.

“Even if I am back down to the 20s, I will work as hard as I can and hopefully push on and get as much first team experience as I can.”