Keown shares ‘bad Hamza Igamane news’ ahead of Celtic v Rangers
Hamza Igamane has been a revelation at Rangers this season, but Gary Keown has shared potentially bad news as they face Celtic on Sunday.
Barry Ferguson’s team will travel to Parkhead on 16 March as they look to get the better of arch-rivals.
Philippe Clement won his last Old Firm derby in charge of the Gers, with former AS FAR striker playing a key role under the Belgian manager.
Igamane has seen his form dip at Ibrox recently, though, which will seemingly be a cause for concern for the Light Blues ahead of facing the Hoops.
Igamane transfer talk has gone to his head ahead of Rangers clash v Celtic
Igamane’s form has been affected as he may have let transfer interest in him get to his head, Keown says.
The Scottish Mail journalist believes the 22-year-old’s recent displays will be bad news for Ferguson as the Light Blues face Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League after beating Fenerbahce.
Keown shared concern over the Moroccan ace’s record and believes the Bears need him in form as they face Celtic at Parkhead.
The journalist wrote in the Daily Mail (16 March): “Igamane has failed to score in his last 11 games for Rangers — they need him in form. Quite what has led to Igamane’s very noticeable dip in form is open to debate.
“Bringing Cyriel Dessers back in from the cold didn’t seem to help, and there’s always the possibility that spiralling talk about summer transfers has got inside his 22-year-old noggin. That’s bad news for interim boss Ferguson as the Europa League reaches the last-eight.”
Ferguson needs Igamane back in form at Ibrox
Igamane has been a jewel at Ibrox in the current campaign, but the youngster’s recent displays have been discouraging for fans.
The 22-year-old burst onto the scene at the Gers under Philippe Clement earlier this season and cemented his place in the starting lineup.
Cyriel Dessers was fighting for his future at Ibrox at one point, but the Nigerian striker has found his place in the team once again after some influential performances.
Ferguson has put faith in the 30-year-old and started him over the Moroccon star during the second leg in the Europa League last-16 against Fenerbahce.
Danilo is the other number nine at the interim manager’s disposal, but the Brazilian ace’s consistent fitness issues make him unreliable.
While it wouldn’t be surprising to see teams from down south make an approach to sign Igamane in the coming months, he needs to continue performing well for that interest to persist.
If the 22-year-old ends up ending the season low on confidence, he may have to wait for another season to get his big move.
It would be disappointing for the Ibrox faithful to see the Moroccan youngster leave next summer, but he needs to contribute to the Light Blues’ success until the end of the season.