Rangers manager Philippe Clement praised debutant Ibrox duo Oscar Cortes and Mohamed Diomande – and pledged that there is more to come from both.
The Gers started all three of their January signings in the Scottish Cup clash with Ayr United, Mohamed Diomande, Oscar Cortes, and Fabio Silva three of seven changes to the side.
But it was the former two who were making their first starts in Rangers jerseys having made tentative steps in their Ibrox careers from the bench since joining.
Now, both have made their full debuts and have been fully introduced to the Ibrox supporters for the first time.
Philippe Clement on Oscar Cortes & Mohamed Diomande
Speaking to the press after the match, Philippe Clement praised both players but highlighted that they are very much just at the start of their Rangers journeys.
Claiming that Mohamed Diomande was playing further forward than normal, Philippe Clement stated that Oscar Cortes was in a more familiar position in the front three.
But all that in mind, the Rangers manager claimed that the best is very much still to come from both.
“Oscar played in a position that is more familiar,” said Clement. “Dio played a little bit higher today because of the circumstances also that we are building with Tom Lawrence, his minutes.
“Todd (Cantwell) had also a knock in the weekend so we wanted to watch out with that also.
“They showed good things. They showed they are good players, good technical players, and they are just now two weeks here with us and you see already that they have a good connection with the team, they understand what we want to do.
“Of course it’s not perfect yet and it needs to become more natural but that’s normal after two weeks.”
Trio of January signings impress in Scottish Cup victory
As Rangers fans reflect on what was a routine enough Scottish Cup victory over Ayr United, it was Oscar Cortes who most brightly caught the eye.
The young Colombian winger, 20, looks a direct option who isn’t shy of a pop at goal with the RC Lens loanee also teeing up Borna Barisic for the opener and being named Player of the Match.
Rangers have an option to buy on the loan deal – RC Lens having signed the winger from Millionarios for a reported €4.5m (£3.8m) in the summer – and fans are already wondering if it might be worth activating it.
Mohamed Diomande – who hasn’t played since November – will take more time to get up to speed but it’s clear from even just flashes that the Ivorian has quality.
Having signed in the winter on a £4.3m loan-to-buy deal from FC Nordsjælland, big things are expected of the midfielder in the game.
Throw this together with the emerging form of Fabio Silva, who got his second Bears goal in the victory, and suddenly the transfer window looks to have been a pretty darn productive one indeed.
Now, let’s see if Philippe Clement’s premonition comes to pass.
