Rangers to alter club 'communication' after Ryan Naderi reveal - Ex-CEO

Rangers are likely to push Ryan Naderi's popularity with the fans as part of their commercial efforts in the coming months.

That is according to former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the media and commercial teams will know exactly who the fans want to see at Ibrox.

This comes after Czech journalist Lucie Machacova recently revealed via her X account that Naderi's is among the best-selling shirts at Rangers this season, alongside fellow striker Lawrence Shankland.

Wyness believes that the Czech international's popularity will carry significant weight when it comes to commercial decisions at Ibrox, but will be glossed over when it comes to footballing calls.

Nevertheless, the 23-year-old has enjoyed a bright start to the new campaign, and already has six goals and three assists to his name from 13 games in all competitions.

Naderi's form has been particularly valuable for Derek McInnes of late, as he has chipped in with four goals and an assist in the last six matches.

Rangers fans can expect to see more of Ryan Naderi

Aberdeen's former chief Wyness - who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004 and now runs a consultancy business advising elite clubs - believes that Rangers may change some of their "communication" to involve Naderi more in the coming months.

Wyness expects the club to make more of an effort to leverage his popularity for commercial gain moving forward.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, he explained why Naderi's shirt sales are a "big signal" of how much the fans value him.

“Well, I think certainly within the club the social media team will be paying attention because that's something that they've got to know about and understand who the fans' favourites are,” he said.

“It certainly won't be affecting football decisions. But it certainly should be the way that you communicate with the fans.

“Obviously it's a big signal that he is a fan favourite and he's been playing well. Yes, but that's the only thing you should be thinking about. Nothing else in terms of guaranteeing his position.

“By all means slant a bit more of that content towards him and understand that and make sure the merchandise has enough Ns in stock to put in the back of the shirt that's for sure, but apart from that I'm afraid doesn't mean much more.”

Rangers send scouts to watch Bayley McCann

Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Rangers sent scouts to watch Doncaster Rovers starlet Bayley McCann in action against Stockport County on Tuesday night.

The 20-year-old wing-back is taking his first steps in the English League One, and is already attracting genuine interest from Ibrox.

The Gers had eyes on Doncaster's 2-0 defeat in midweek, with McCann the main focus of their trip.

He is also impressing for Northern Ireland at U21 level, and already has two assists in League One so far this season.