Rangers new-boy Ryan Naderi ‘honoured’ to be compared to top German names

Ryan Naderi acknowledged the favourable comparisons made about him following his move to Rangers but insists he will be his own man at Ibrox.

The 22-year-old striker signed from Hansa Rostock of Germany’s third tier on transfer deadline day for a reported fee of £4.75million.

Rangers head coach Danny Rohl revealed colleagues back home had likened Naderi to former Germany forward Fredi Bobic and current Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade.

Naderi made his debut as a second-half substitute in the 5-1 William Hill Premiership win at home to Kilmarnock on Wednesday night and at his first media conference as a Gers player at the club’s training ground, he also heard the name of German midfielder Jorg Albertz, a favourite of supporters in his spell in Govan between 1996 and 2001.

He said: “A big honour, definitely. I appreciate it but I will always try to play my own game, not to compare to someone else, and to focus on my strengths I have.

“But it’s a big honour to be compared to those names. Definitely.

“Those are big footsteps and I will definitely try my best to be as good as possible.

“And yes, it’s a big honour that you come up with those names, and it’s also part of the pressure because the expectations are high. But I’m ready to fight for everything.

“Personally, I just want to score goals, give good impacts in games, and of course the main target is to be on top of the table and win the league.”

Naderi is confident he will thrive under pressure at Ibrox as Rangers look to claim the title for the first time since 2021.

He said: “Definitely. That’s why I’m here. That’s already been discussed as well, because the people here also know how I work.

“We had conversations and I’m definitely the type who will be able to work with the pressure that is here, and I know what it means for the people as well. I’m ready to give 100 per cent.”

Naderi enjoyed his first experience of Ibrox after a “stressful” move from Germany which went to the last day and almost saw his arrival delayed until the summer.

Ahead of the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup tie against Championship side Queen’s Park at Ibrox on Sunday, he added: “It was unbelievable to be honest.

“I was a bit nervous just because it’s a big step for me.

“But I try to enjoy every second and it was an amazing, amazing feeling. I just wanted to get the deal done.

“I noticed that the negotiations were ongoing for summer as well, and I’m just happy to be here now because I can give my input to the team and try to win the title.”