There is no doubt about what the biggest game of Rangers season is with a place in the semi-finals of the Europa League at stake.
A 0-0 draw at Ibrox was the least that Barry Ferguson’s side deserved after the sending off of Robin Propper.
Someone who had to sit that one out was Mohamed Diomande, who was serving his second suspension in the competition this season.
His energy, composure on the ball and intelligence out of possession will be a huge asset to the Rangers squad in Spain in what is a winner-takes-all clash.
Rested against Aberdeen until he came off the bench in the second half, Diomande is in buoyant mood ahead of facing Athletic Club.
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Mohamed Diomande explains Rangers Europa League belief
Speaking after the game, the Ivory Coast international has given an insight into what shape the squad is in:
“It was tough because we were one man down. We showed character. We came back to the game and then we take a point home,” Diomande said.
“We are happy to get the 2-2 at the end, but then we are not really celebrating the point.
“It’s obviously an important game on Thursday for all of us because we want to achieve greater things together as a team.
“The character we showed today, if we do the same on Thursday again, then we have a chance.
“There’s a belief [in the changing room]. I mean, not everybody can have this chance to play in the semi-final. We are really together, and we believe we can do it.”
Has Diomande been a good signing for Rangers?
Questions continue to be asked about Diomande after over a year at the club.
After signing for Rangers for £4.3m, expectations were high and early appearances suggested that Nils Koppen had unearthed a gem.
Hooked at half-time earlier this season though and there were real doubts about his future at Rangers.
It looks like that was the motivation he needed to realise what sort of opportunity he has and his partnership with Nicolas Raskin has been one of a few positives of a dismal season, culminating with Diomande starring v Celtic in a dominant Parkhead display.
A change of shape has helped even more and the addition of a midfielder who can knit everything together has to be a summer transfer priority.
