Amad Diallo in Golden Boy running as Rangers loanee earns surprise nomination

Former Rangers loanee Amad Diallo has earned a nomination for the 2022 Golden Boy award – despite a disappointing loan spell at Rangers.

The wide man arrived at Ibrox on loan in January from Manchester United and scored just minutes into his debut away to Ross County.

But the Ivorian made just 16 appearances for the Scottish Cup winners, scoring five times, as his much-hyped move failed to hit the heights he or the club would have wanted.

Diallo is the only player to have played in Scotland included in the list, which is won by Europe's best youngster aged under 21 in a calendar year and is voted by journalists.

Previous years have seen the likes of Celtic’s Karamoko Dembele, Aaron Hickey and former Rangers starlet Billy Gilmour nominated.

Diallo is joined by Old Trafford teammate Anthony Elanga, while Liverpool duo Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho are also in contention.

Champions Manchester City have Yan Couto nominated. The full back featured for Braga in their Europa League defeat to Rangers last season and has also been previously linked with a move to Celtic.