Rangers handed ‘perfect’ boost ahead of Celtic showdown after ‘massive’ Diallo news – pundit
Noel Whelan has admitted Rangers have pulled off a “massive signing” in Amad Diallo ahead of next week’s derby clash against Celtic.
The former Aberdeen striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 19-year-old’s arrival would give the Gers a big shot in the arm after Ianis Hagi’s injury.
Rangers confirmed they had secured the loan signing of Diallo from Manchester United on Thursday (27 January).
He made his debut in Saturday’s league clash with Ross County.
Diallo’s arrival came after Hagi was ruled out for the rest of the season through injury.
Whelan insisted the winger’s capture would be a major “pick me up” ahead of Wednesday’s Old Firm clash.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “It’s a massive signing, isn’t it? A resurrection for the player as well, to give him an opportunity at Rangers.
“A player that cost a lot of money, a player that had really strong credentials behind him when he came into Manchester United.
“This is perfect, with the injury to Hagi, to bring in somebody of that stature and that quality. We know he’s got it, we’ve just not seen it. This could really resurrect his career again.
“It brings excitement to Rangers, doesn’t it? Just when you need that little bit of a pick me up. You want that strength and depth.
“The league is a lot closer than it was last season. They’ve lost big players, especially with a big game as well coming up in the Glasgow derby against Celtic.
“They’ve gone out there and they’ve dealt with the situation very swiftly. With the money from Patterson as well, they could afford to get that star player they wanted to make a difference.”
Rangers won the first Glasgow derby of the season 1-0 back in August.
In other news, Kieran Maguire claims Rangers could rake money in with £10m project as deal lined up.