Rangers star set for blockbuster international debut against World Cup winners after paperwork delay
Striker has overcome red tape and is now set for first start
Rangers forward Ryan Naderi could make his Czechia National Team debut against World Champions Spain as he nears completion of switching international allegiance.
The 23-year old was contacted by technical director of the Czech FA and ex Ballon D’or winner earlier this month in an attempt to get him on board. Naderi was born in Dresden, Germany and also could’ve played for the country of his father’s birth Bulgaria, however he’s now opted to represent his motherland. The reported imminent call-up comes after an impressive run of form at club level, as the towering striker netted the winner against Celtic prior to the break.
After further positive talks with Czech boss Miroslav Koubek, the striker was hoping to make an impact in their UEFA Nations League openers against Croatia and England respectively, but was unable to do so due to passport and paperwork issues. Czechia currently find themselves bottom of League A Group 3 after suffering two defeats.
Naderi set to make international debut
According to the Rangers Review, the Ibrox striker has now overcame the red tape and is ‘finalising’ his international allegiance switch. Naderi will then be eligible to face Spain at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere on Saturday, as well as their trip to face England at Wembley three days later.
Asked about the opportunity to represent his motherland, Naderi responded: "I am really excited about the opportunity to represent Czechia. I can't wait to join the team, meet my new team-mates and the coaching staff. It's an important step and a personal decision for me because, through my mum, I have a very close connection to Czechia. I will do everything I can to help us achieve success together.”
Naderi will join former Ibrox winger Libor Sionko and Vaclav Cerny on the list of players to represent the Czechs and Rangers. However, the latter hung up his international boots in July for personal reasons - shortly after he was omitted from their World Cup squad.
Naderi on his Czech roots
Naderi’s last trip to Czechia didn’t end well as Rangers lost out on European football qualification to minnows FK Jablonec. However, since then, the striker has went from strength to strength with four goals in 11 games so far this season. With fellow marksmen Youssef Chermiti and Lawrence Shankland out injured long term, the former Hansa Rostock man has had to deal with the responsibility of being first choice Rangers number nine.
Before Rangers’ European disaster last month, Naderi commented: “My story is that my mum is from the Czech Republic. My grandma lives there too, so I can speak Czech. For me, it's a nice match. I’m looking forward it. I'll have family there to support us.
“Obviously, it is something special, but for me it's something special because it's just qualifying games for a European competition. These are the nights you want to play, and this is the special part for me. I don't care who we play.”
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