Rangers will need to overcome Livingston striker Joel Nouble if they’re to reach the League Cup semi-finals – but things might’ve been very different this summer.
The big English forward might have a French name but he started his career in the Chelsea youth set up before knocking around the English lower leagues and eventually winding up in East Lothian.
And it’s with Livingston that Joel Nouble has made his name, the striker handed a £1m valuation by the Lions and who, by Davie Martindale’s own admission, had looked set to leave the club this summer.
Having been at the club since 2021, it was last season when Nouble, now 27, really began to turn heads with the Premiership outfit.
Netting a total of seven goals, the powerful striker led the line at Livingston with mobility and at times real quality and it had plenty mentioning the Old Firm.
Joel Nouble readies Rangers test after Livingston links
As usually happens when a player performs in the Premiership, it’s a testament to the form of Joel Nouble at the time and Davie Martindale even tipped the player to make the grade in Glasgow.
It came with the Livingston boss also appearing to tout the big striker to English Championship.
“I think we’ve got to enjoy Joel while we’ve got him because if Joel’s playing his football at Livingston next year, I would be very very surprised,” said Martindale.
“I think he’s a fantastic talent. I’d love to see him go to a big club in Scotland in terms of maybe one of the Old Firm but people will probably look down on that if I’m honest but I think he can go play in the English Championship no problem at all.
“And I think there’s more to Joel, I genuinely believe there’s more to Joel so I’d really like to see Joel get down the road, get playing his football in the English Championship because you know what? It would be incredible to see him take his career and kick on. He’s been brilliant for us!”
As things would transpire, Joel Nouble would remain at Livingston beyond the summer and Rangers are warned that the League Cup has been his competition this season.
Whilst the 6ft3 striker is yet to net in the Premiership, Nouble has two on League Cup duties including one in the last round against Ayr United.
The Ibrox side also well aware of the big striker’s abilities, two of Joel Nouble’s goals last season coming against Rangers, with one in Glasgow.
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