Hamza Igamane was the headline call pre-match as Philippe Clement handed the 22-year-old a first European start.
And the Rangers boss was justified in his decision to give him the nod over Cyriel Dessers as the summer recruit bagged TWO goals in a stunning 4-1 win in the French Riviera. It wasn’t just his calmness and composure in front of goal but his pressing to force defenders into mistakes and also his tracking back to help out his team-mates and hold up play that caught the eye. The challenge for the youngster is to now produce that type of performance on a consistent basis with Derek McInnes convinced he showed enough to suggest he can succeed in a Rangers jersey.
Steven Naismith and Steven Thompson – both former Ibrox strikers – also had their say on the hitman with former Hearts gaffer Naisy describing him as ‘infectious’ while his fellow former hitman was left ‘very impressed’ with what he witnessed as he explained what caught his eye the most.
Steven Naismith
“He’s involved in the press with Diomande there that presents the opportunity. He then has the composure and calmness to get the finish. I thought that is what he done all night very well. He’s infectious. His press brought others with him. He covered back for Cerny when he was out of position. His team-mates came with him. It’s turned into a really good night for him.”
Derek McInnes
“Again, he’s got the skill to put the ball through the defenders legs and a nice calm finish there. He takes the confidence from his performance and gets his second goal. He lead the line very well. There is certainly enough there to suggest he is going to do well in a Rangers shirt.”
Steven Thompson
“Igamane can expect a lot tougher games ahead of him. But I have to say, while he is not going to run channels or win flick-ons, he takes the ball really well on his chest. His output was really good and he was composed when he went through on goal. Very impressive; an assist and two goals.”