“Credit to himself“ – Rangers captain praises midfielder who will sign reported £4.3m switch in summer Rang

Mohamed Diomande opened his account in the victory over St Johnstone, and Rangers captain James

Tavernier has showered the Ivorian with praise.

Eight minutes after halftime, the 23-year-old January signing opened the score in a stuffy match at

McDiarmid Park with a right-footed rocket into the back of the net.

After that, Rangers captain James Tavernier scored twice from penalty kicks to seal a 3-0 victory,

but the talk after the game centred on Mohamed Diomande.

The youthful Ivorian’s contribution against the Saints as well as how effectively “Dio” has adapted to

the Ibrox ranks were also acknowledged by the team captain.

James Tavernier praises Mohamed Diomande

Speaking to Sky Sports after the clash with St Johnstone, James Tavernier reflected on the contribution of

Mohamed Diomande as the midfielder got his first Rangers goal.

The Gers skipper then went on to touch on fellow January signings Oscar Cortes and Fabio Silva,

who also started the match in Perth.

“We obviously came here to get the three points,” said Tavernier. “It was a tough game with the pitch but

I thought we dealt with it really well.

“We persisted. Dio scored a fantastic goal to get us rolling, and we simply kept asking questions after that.

“It’s excellent that the team has a range of scoring options and that we’re always asking questions.

Dio scored a fantastic goal by popping up at the edge of the area.

Tavernier went on to say, “We just kept getting the momentum; we’re getting stronger and stronger every week and every game.”

The likes of Dio joining the team and scoring a goal for himself tonight. To his credit, he’s adapted quite well,

and with the arrival of Oscar Cortes and Fabio Silva, our teamwork has improved significantly.

“Anyone who is asked to come off the bench or to start is really putting in performance which is really good to see.”

Mohamed Diomande – who was named Player of the Match v St Johnstone – has also been discussing his first goal for Rangers at full-time.

Claiming that he feels “happy” for getting his first goal, the January signing has also been talking

about settling into Scottish football.

“I feel good, I feel happy,” said Diomande. “It was a good moment and I saw the moment and I took my strike.

I’m happy I got my first goal.

“It’s been incredible, and I’m glad to be playing with my teammates and that they are supporting me while I adjust,” the player said.

“I’m excited to score three points with my teammates and we’re looking forward to it.

This is my first start in the Scottish league.”

Mohamed Diomande was recruited by Rangers on a loan-to-buy agreement from FC Nordsjaelland,

with the club planning to pay £4.3 million for the player in the summer.