Ryan Naderi has told Rangers fans the team will return to Hampden in December with the sole aim of winning the Premier Sports Cup final. The striker's 83rd-minute goal secured a 1-0 victory over Aberdeen in the semi-final, sending Derek McInnes' side through to the showpiece occasion.
The 23-year-old Czech international prodded home from close range after redirecting a James Penrice shot-cum-cross past Aberdeen goalkeeper Marius Muller. It was his eighth goal in 15 games this season, a strike he ranks alongside his winner at Celtic Park in terms of importance.
Naderi Happy to Score 'Easy Ones'
Naderi admitted he is content to keep scoring from close quarters if it helps his team go all the way. "It feels amazing," he said. "I'm happy, of course, happy to be the one who scores the goals, but happy for the team."
"I've tried to shoot twice today from outside of the box and it didn't go well! So I went back inside the box. Maybe I should just stick to the easy ones!"
The frontman, whose side will face either Hibs or Hearts in the final on December 13, said he was confident about his positioning despite the introduction of VAR. "I always have the feeling that I'm onside. Nowadays you never know because of VAR. But yeah, I was confident."
Stepping Up After Injury Blows
Naderi has already surpassed his three-goal contribution from last season. The £5million deadline day signing from Hansa Rostock struggled to displace Youssef Chermiti in the starting lineup under former boss Danny Rohl, and his chances appeared to diminish further when Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland moved to Ibrox.
However, with both strike rivals ruled out through injury, Naderi has filled the goalscoring void. "Unfortunately, it took Youssef and for Shanks to be ruled out," he said. "I'm trying my best to just help the team out."
Deserved Win Against Determined Dons
Naderi acknowledged Aberdeen made it difficult for Rangers, praising their defensive efforts. "No matter who you play against, they're gonna throw in everything," he said. "Also a big compliment to them because they did well."
Rangers now await the winner of Sunday's second semi-final between Hibs and Hearts. Naderi was clear about his intentions for the final: "Yes, we will definitely come here to win that thing, not to lose it. We've come this far so we want be there standing with the trophy in our hands."
