Pundit cracks the code of getting the best out of Rangers star as huge 'advantage' over Hearts identified

Rangers hero Alan Hutton believes they get the ‘best out of’ forward Ryan Naderi when he plays alongside strike partner Kevin Kelsy.

The Ibrox duo have developed a strong partnership over the past month since manager Derek McInnes reverted back to the 4-4-2 formation. Naderi has contributed to at least one goals in six of Rangers’ last seven outings - and the only exception was the 2-2 stalemate at Dundee earlier this month at Dens Park, where Kelsy was dropped.

Naderi’s natural style of being physical and dynamic is amplified when there are players within closer proximity to him. Hutton believes it’s no coincidence that the Czechia international performs better with another striker.

How can Rangers get the best out of Naderi?

Speaking on Premier Sports’ Scottish Football Social Club, the pundit said: “I think Rangers look better when Kelsey and Nadiri are playing together. We saw it at the Dundee game (Naderi up front by himself). I just feel like, when he's up there himself, I think he gets lost a little bit.

“He's running about, he's working hard, he's got nobody to bounce off of, and he wants to look for his strike partner. When he plays with Kelsey or another, I think that's when you get the best out of him. I think he's proved that at the time he's been at the club.”

The strike partnership linked up nicely for the first goal in the 4-0 win at St Johnstone at the weekend in a match where Naderi got on the scoresheet and Kelsy bagged a brace. As Rangers now gear up for Hearts away at Tynecastle tonight, McInnes is expected to deploy both again on his Tynecastle return.

Why do Rangers have an ‘advantage’ over Hearts?

The Light Blues travel to Gorgie for the first time since McInnes left Tynecastle for Ibrox in June. A hostile reception is expected from the home crowd at a venue where Rangers have struggled recently. However, Hutton believes the fact the Jambos are playing in Europe while his old side aren’t, gives a fresher Rangers team the ‘advantage’.

He explained: “It’s a huge test for Rangers come mid-week, because again, if you want to challenge for titles, Tynecastle is a place you need to go and win, and that's going to be a big thing for them. They're only playing normally one game a week - and you look at Hearts and the situation they're in, with the players that are missing, the travelling that they're having to do, the games in Europe that are difficult. Rangers have an advantage there and must capitalise on it.”

(The Scottish Football Social Club is presented by BetSBK.com | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly)