Minsu Kim has been backed to succeed at Rangers by former Girona teammate Yangel Herrera, who believes the £8.5million transfer hype surrounding the winger is justified.
Kim made just eight appearances for Girona before joining Rangers in the summer window. The 20-year-old has since registered a goal or assist in his six outings for the club and missed a penalty in a 1-0 win over Motherwell.
He caught the eye in back-to-back wins over Celtic last month that secured Derek McInnnes' side's place in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final and reduced the deficit to the Hoops at the top of the table to just two points.
Herrera's warm words for Kim
Herrera left Girona to join Real Sociedad 12 months ago but was at the club when Kim was trying to force his way into the first team. The duo will be reunited this lunchtime when South Korea face Venezuela in an international friendly.
Speaking to media ahead of the game, Herrera, once of Manchester City, said: "I saw Minsu Kim at Girona when he was still very young. He had great ability and was an outstanding player."
"That was also how he was regarded within the club. He has moved to Rangers, but I’m rooting for him to continue developing his strong abilities and grow into an even better player."
International debut nerves
Kim won his first senior cap for his country as a substitute in the 3-0 win over Ecuador last Thursday and appeared from the bench once again four days later as South Korea went down 4-1 to Uruguay.
The former FC Andorra loanee admitted he was wracked with nerves before making his international bow. "I was more nervous and trembling than in any game in my life because I was representing the Republic of Korea," he stated.
"It was a dream come true because it was a situation I had always wished for and so even though it was short, it felt wonderful."
"I tried my best to get along well with my teammates and be of help to the team. I was able to communicate with our new manager Robert Moreno in Spanish."
"He explained the team's tactics in detail, so I understood them well and was able to make a good debut, I think. He taught me how to be effective as a winger."
"But I was very nervous because it was my debut and I know how heavy the weight of the national team is. I will work even harder to fully prove I belong at this level."
"I didn't know I would play in the first match after being selected in the squad. To increase my playing time going forward, I must be well prepared. I will give everything to play for the national team again."
