How 'sensational' Ryan Naderi set Rangers up for dominant victory vs Celtic
Ryan Naderi worked his socks off as Rangers thrashed Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup on Sunday.
The German striker started alongside Kevin Kelsy up front for the Gers at Ibrox on 13 September and put Martin O'Neill's team under pressure from the off.
Derek McInnes made sure every player gave their all, with the former Hansa Rostock forward standing out.
Naderi didn't score or assist against Celtic, but the Ibrox faithful certainly appreciated his work-rate.
The Govan side's first goal came after impressive determination from the German attacker, who ran Cameron Carter-Vickers down in the build-up to Dan Neil's strike.
McInnes' team came out with the same vigour after the break and the Hoops had no answers for them in the Old Firm derby.
Why Ryan Naderi was catalyst for Rangers win vs Celtic
While Neil took the plaudits after his brace against Celtic, there were several unsung heroes on the pitch for the Gers.
Gordon Dalziel was left impressed with Naderi's intensity at Ibrox.
The German striker is credited with setting the tempo for the Light Blues' dominant victory in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final.
Naderi's tussle with Carter-Vickers stands out for the effort he put in and one could argue the opening goal set the Govan side up for victory in the Old Firm derby.
Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard on 13 September, Dalziel said: "To a man, I thought Rangers were excellent today. And we've touched on one or two of their top players.
"What set the tempo for me, and I'm not his greatest fan, is Naderi. You see Carter-Vickers, all of a sudden, he's all over him. He wins the ball and Rangers get the goal. I thought Naderi's work-rate for the team today was sensational."
Why Derek McInnes may need to make changes at Celtic Park
Rangers travel to Celtic Park next in the William Hill Premiership.
Another victory would take the Gers within two points of their Old Firm rivals at the top of the table.
O'Neill is an experienced head, and while McInnes' tactics worked at Ibrox, there's no guarantee they will in the upcoming fixture.
While every player from the Gers' starting lineup deserves to start again at Celtic Park, a slight change up top may give the hosts something different to think about.
Bringing Minsu Kim back into the middle, playing Badredine Bouanani out wide and starting with Naderi as the lone striker could potentially be the winning formula in the league game.