Rangers have a number of players out on international duty across the globe as the Ibrox support grab a mid-season breather.
No fewer than 11 Rangers stars are out representing their country this week as the Ibrox side look to build some momentum after a tumultuous summer of change.
But with several Rangers heroes in action across the planet, one of the Gers’ most key players was sent a reminder of his international challenge after failing to get off the bench.
Mohamed Diomande unused on Ivory Coast duties
Mohamed Diomande is the poster boy of the transfer revolution currently underway in the background of Rangers.
The 22-year-old Ivory Coast midfielder is regarded as one of the club’s key assets after a £4.3m loan-to-buy deal was struck with FC Nordjsaelland in January.
Since moving to Rangers, Diomande has been called up to the Ivory Coast set up after a tug-of-war between the nation of his birth and adopted country Ghana, where Dio was discovered via the Right to Dream Academy.
Having made three appearances for the nation, Diomande might’ve hoped to have been involved in the Ivorians’ AFCON qualifying double-header with Sierra Leone.
But as the Elephants stampeded all over their rivals in San Pedro, Diomande was given a reminder of his place in the international pecking order of the West African nation.
Rangers star faces Saudi Pro League trio challenge
In a storming display, Ivory Coast ran out 4-1 winners over Sierra Leone to make it three wins from three games in AFCON qualifying.
The Ivorians are obviously famous for another quality midfield maestro in Yaya Toure but it was their latest hero who stole the show in the impressive romp.
Al-Ahli midfielder Franck Kessié played a key role in the win, netting a second-half double after Nicolas Pepe had given the Ivorians an early lead and Sierra Leone had equalised before half-time.
Oumar Diakité then completed the rout with a late penalty and Mohamed Diomande could only watch from the bench as the Ivorians ran riot.
Kessié’s double highlights the challenge the Rangers midfielder faces in breaking through into the Ivory Coast starting XI, but the ex-AC Milan star isn’t the only hurdle.
Ex-Fulham midfielder Jean Michael Seri is also an Ivory Coast mainstay, whilst ex-Galatasaray star Seko Fofana is the other regular starter.
Both players also play in the Saudi Pro League, with 33-year-old Seri turning out for Al-Orobah and 29-year-old Fofana playing under Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq.
Diomande is still young and given the aging nature of these players can expect opportunities in the coming seasons.
But if the Rangers star is serious about holding down a staring berth for the Ivory Coast, he will have to overcome and outshine this Saudi Pro League trio.
