Thelo Aasgaard has saved his Rangers career with World Cup exploits vs France - View
Thelo Aasgaard has proven to Derek McInnes that he has what it takes to make a real impact at Rangers next season during the World Cup.
The 24-year-old playmaker struggled to make a consistent impact in his first season at Rangers following a move from Luton Town.
He was restricted to 21 starts in the Premiership under multiple managers as the Gers faltered towards the end of the campaign.
Aasgaard just looked to be finding his feet under Danny Rohl before the season ended, but he has since left Ibrox to be replaced by McInnes.
If McInnes was unsure about Aasgaard's role in his squad for next season, then he shouldn't be now following his impressive exploits at the World Cup for Norway.
The playmaker scored Norway's solitary goal in a 4-1 loss as they ended Group I in second place to set up a round of 32 clash with the Ivory Coast.
He could not have done much more against one of the best international teams in the world, so looks primed to impress in the Premiership from now on.
Thelo Aasgaard in for key Rangers role after latest Norway showing
Aasgaard was left on the bench for his country's first two Group I matches against Iraq and Senegal, as they earned maximum points ahead of facing France.
He entered their starting lineup and played the full 95 minutes in Boston on Friday night, with a well-taken goal just seconds after Ousmane Dembele had made it 2-0 to France in the 20th minute.
The 24-year-old created a big chance, completed 35 passes, won six of 10 attempted ground duels and was fouled three times.
He was the one Norwegian player who left an impression on the game, as they succumbed to a heavy defeat with a rotated side out.
Sources have told Football Insider that Rangers don't want to sell Aasgaard this summer, and that should definitely be the case now.
McInnes' first viewing of the playmaker since his appointment as Gers boss will surely have thrust him to the forefront of his plans for next term.
Which midfielder could Rangers sell this summer?
With Aasgaard set to stay, it does seem likely that another attacking midfielder is allowed to leave Rangers as McInnes lines up several new signings.
Sources have previously told Football Insider that Rangers are prepared to part ways with Nedim Bajrami this summer, and that seems very likely to happen soon.
The 27-year-old only featured 19 times across all competitions last season, registering two goals and one assist.
He looks to be nearing an exit soon, with Aasgaard's latest exploits proving that he is a better option to McInnes going forward.