Ryan Naderi growing into a proper Rangers number nine as ‘gallus’ Czech star hailed by Derek McInnes

Rangers manager Derek McInnes has praised Ryan Naderi, stating the striker is growing into a proper number nine following a 2-0 victory over St Mirren. Naderi netted his ninth goal of the campaign from the penalty spot before Dan Neil sealed the win, moving Rangers to within one point of Premiership leaders Celtic. McInnes highlighted the 23-year-old forward's rising confidence, work ethic, and emerging personality.

With regular penalty taker Lawrence Shankland sidelined by injury, McInnes revealed that Naderi proactively practiced spot kicks to take on the responsibility. The manager also commended defender Emmanuel Fernandez for playing through an ankle injury to help secure a clean sheet alongside Olwethu Makhanya as Rangers ended a run of dropped away points.