Mohamed Diomande names his Rangers motivator for Celtic Cup blockbuster after 'amazing' Philippe Clement praise

Mohamed Diomande insists he can now sparkle in the Old Firm cauldron to inspire Rangers and his community in Africa.

The Ibrox star believes he's ready to shine against Celtic at Hampden. By his own admission, Diomande has not delivered in his two derby outings since signing for boss Philippe Clement in January. But the 22-year-old is adamant he can produce this time at the National Stadium. Diomande said: “I’ve only played in two, but it’s also why I wanted to play football, to make the fans happy. I know in those two games I didn’t do as much as the fans expected, but I know I’m going to give my best and it’s going to come in the next one.”

Clement described Diomande as a big future prospect and the midfielder said: “It’s amazing to hear that from a manager like him. I try to be humble to learn every day beside him and also the other coaches. I think I’m doing that every day in training, day and day, improving myself.”

Diomande, who came through the Right to Dream Academy in Ghana, continued: “I left home when I was 10. I was very young still, but I remember my mom didn’t want me to take that step. But for me, I knew it was the right step and it’s brought me where I am now.

“So, my parents are really happy with what I’ve achieved already to inspire the people in my community in Africa also to see what I’m achieving and they can do what I’m doing or they can do even more than that. Getting two goals in my two starts in the league is amazing, but I’m still adapting to the league and how tough it is.

“I know there’s a lot of pressure also with the fans and everything, so I try everything to do what I can do to help my team. I’m happy with the four months already and I’m still waiting to have a first full season here.