Mohamed Diomande backs new Rangers signing Tochi Chukwuani to thrive

Just a few hours before Sunday’s 2-0 win over managerless Aberdeen at Pittodrie, which took Danny Rohl’s side to within three points of leaders Hearts having played a game more, the Ibrox club confirmed the 22-year-old Danish midfielder had completed his move from Sturm Graz.

Chukwuani played alongside Diomande at Nordsjaelland in Denmark and the 24-year-old Ivory Coast playmaker was asked if the new Ibrox recruit could be perfect for Scottish football.

He said: “Yeah, I think so because he has the experience also.

“He’s played a lot of European games. He’s been watching the Scottish league a lot because he’s been watching me as a friend.

“Like I said, he’s got the ability and that’s what we also need.

“Now that we know that we have a very difficult moment with Bas (Connor Barron), injured.

“We know that we can count on Tochi to bring what he has to bring for the team.

“Tochi has been a close friend to me since we were 14, 15. I played with him in Denmark. He’s good lad, technically very good.

“He’s strong on the ball and I’m happy that he’s here.

“In my opinion he’s going to contribute all his abilities and he’s going to help us to where we want to go.

“Yeah, he spoke to me. Obviously, I’m going to give him good advice because I know it’s a massive club and I know it’s a next step for him. That’s what we all want to experience, to play in these big clubs.

“In the middle of the park he’s going to help with his ability. We don’t have the kind of player he is because he’s more physical and he’s technically good under pressure.”

It was a fifth successive win for the Light Blues.

The visitors took the lead when midfielder Thelo Aasgaard volleyed in midway through the first half before a James Tavernier penalty in the 74th minute clinched three valuable points.

Diomande believes Rangers “have very good momentum starting from the training ground,” and added: “Obviously it was not good conditions for us to play in, but we did everything to get three points and a clean sheet, which was the most important thing for us.

“We just know that we can trust each other and we know that people are going to be in a position where the coach wants them to be. It helps because it’s the details we’ve been working on in training.

“We just know when we’re about to break through or we’re about to defend, we know where we need to be. As a team, we are doing that really well at the moment.”

Plus, Rangers have appointed Jim Gillespie as their new chief executive.

Gillespie has been on the board at St Mirren for the last five years and vice-chairman of the William Hill Premiership club since 2021.

Fraser Thornton has been acting CEO since Rangers sacked Patrick Stewart in November, and he will become executive director when Gillespie starts his role later this season.

Gillespie said: “Rangers Football Club is a historic institution, and it’s an honour to be asked to contribute to its leadership.

“I’m thankful to the owners and the board for their confidence, and I look forward to working closely with them, the staff and all those associated with Rangers.

“The focus now is on delivery: rolling up our sleeves, setting clear standards and ensuring the organisation is aligned behind sustainable success on the pitch.”

Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh said: “We spoke to an exceptional group of candidates across Scotland and Europe, and Jim consistently stood out for his understanding of what Rangers stands for and the standards this club demands.

“He impressed us with his ability to lead people, connect with the club and its supporters, and operate at a very high-level day to day.

“Jim is a proven leader, and we are confident he will be an outstanding chief executive for Rangers.”

A Rangers statement added the club’s strategic direction will continue to be set by the board, with Cavenagh and vice-chairman Paraag Marathe “staying closely involved in all major aspects of the club’s leadership and decision-making”.

Rangers are second in the Scottish Premiership, three points behind Hearts having played a game more than the leaders.