Rangers summer signing Hamza Igamane [Credit: Imago]
Rangers summer signing Hamza Igamane [Credit: Imago]

Hamza Igamane questions emerge at Rangers after Ibrox win v Hibernian

Dan Carter

Dan is a sports journalist who graduated from the University of Gloucestershire with a first-class degree in Sports Journalism. Dan has a huge love for football and has spent time inside newsrooms throughout his time at university. Away from his laptop, he enjoys playing Sunday League football, or watching whatever football, cricket or whatever sport he can find.

Published on

Graham Dorrans has been left questioning whether or not Hamza Igamane is a "number nine" after Rangers' win over Hibernian.

The 21-year-old forward started his first game in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday (29 September) as Philippe Clement's side ran out 1-0 winners at Ibrox thanks to Tom Lawrence's first-half goal.

Igamane wasn't able to have a major impact on proceedings before he was replaced by Cyriel Dessers early in the second half and BBC Sport pundit Dorrans has suggested he would be better utilised out wide.

Speaking on the Scottish Football Podcast (30 September, 5:40) he said: "The youngster Igamane coming in, he has made a few substitute appearances in the last few weeks.

"He has looked decent.  He is strong in stature, and he has technically looked well, but today probably he starved a little bit of service as well.

"To be honest, I don't think he is a number nine, he is more of a wide player, coming in off the wide areas, so he'll probably be disappointed with how that went."

What has happened to Hamza Igamane at Ibrox and Rangers?

Igamane has quickly gone from being a peripheral figure in the early stages of the Premiership season to one of the Light Blues' more exciting talents and one quiet display shouldn't change that.

It was only a matter of weeks ago that Rangers supporters were keen to see the Moroccan handed a start ahead of Cyriel Dessers having impressed with cameos off of the bench against both Celtic and Dundee United.

While the 21-year-old was nowhere near as effective against Hibs on Sunday as he has been when utilised from the bench, that doesn't mean that he doesn't have what it takes to be the Light Blues number nine in the future.

Cyriel Dessers Rangers
Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers replaced Hamza Igamane against Hibs [Credit: Imago]

Leading the line for an Old Firm club is a completely different challenge from playing up front for any other club in Scotland. Igamane may not be perfect for that role right now, but in time he will grow into that position.

It would be a mistake to immediately thrust him into a wide role instead after a single start in Gers colours.

For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

Ibrox News
www.ibroxnews.com