Ryan Naderi shares honest verdict on Rangers fans as he's primed for Czechia debut vs Spain
Rangers forward Ryan Naderi had to watch from the stands as Czechia lost to England on Tuesday night.
The 23-year-old forward switched his international allegiance from Germany to Czechia before this round of Nations League fixtures.
However, a paperwork hold-up meant that he wasn't able to take to the pitch against England, who ran out 2-0 winners on the night in Prague.
Naderi is now clear to play for Czechia, though, and is primed to make his senior international debut against World Cup champions Spain on Saturday night.
Ahead of that game, the former Hansa Rostock attacker has been speaking about his time at Rangers, where he's been in fine form.
In a new interview, he's also spoken honestly about the supporters of the Glasgow giants.
What Ryan Naderi has said about Rangers
As quoted by Sport Witness, Naderi said: “First of all, I’m very proud to be here. And I’m proud of myself for where I’ve gone. Football is sometimes incredible, how quickly things can change in it. I’m at Glasgow Rangers, now in the Czech national team… I’m really grateful for that.
“The conditions at the club, the fans around it, it’s all fantastic.
“I don’t know if there’s a bigger connection of fans with the club somewhere in the world. At home games, Ibrox Park lives incredibly.
“It’s hard to describe, history and great emotions are coming into it. These are just the clubs you want to play in and enjoy football to the fullest.”
Naderi has no doubt won over any critics he might have had before the season started, scoring four goals and supplying three assists in his 11 appearances across all competitions.
One of those goals was in the final game before the international break when Naderi netted the winner in an Old Firm victory away at Celtic Park.
Why didn't it start well for Naderi last season?
Naderi joined Rangers from Hansa Rostock in the winter transfer window at the start of this season.
He cost £4.7million, a fairly substantial amount for a player who was playing in the third tier of German football at the time.
And that fee didn't look justified to begin with, with Dresden-born Naderi scoring just three goals in 11 appearances last term - with two of those goals behind against Queen's Park in the Scottish Cup.
Naderi admits that it was tough to adapt quickly to playing in the Scottish Premiership. However, he believes Danny Rohl played a big role in helping him out.
“It was a really big jump (to Rangers),” he added.
“Before last season I was returning to the game in Rostock after an injury, the start of the year was not easy. But then came the good games, I started to score goals and got an offer from Rangers in the middle of the season. Incredible.
“The German coach Danny Röhl, who is no longer with the team, made my adaptation there, but the transfer to Rangers was a great step and everything goes on this season. Moreover, I am in the Czech national team.
“Sometimes I can’t believe what’s going on around me, but I try to enjoy every moment. I’m still working on myself and I’m sure I’ve earned everything.”
What can Rangers expect from Naderi after the international break is over?
After two Old Firm victories before the three-week break, it shouldn't be too hard for Rangers to pick up where they left off.
Despite many players being away with their countries, Derek McInnes will have been working hard with those who have remained at Auchenhowie, while the internationals will be able to keep their momentum going.
Czechia aren't expected to do much against Spain on Saturday, and there's no doubt that Naderi will be boosted by just having the chance to play for his country and against such prestigious opponents.
Next week, Kilmarnock visit Ibrox in what is a fairly favourable return to domestic action, given that Killie are bottom of the league.
Win that and the ball will keep rolling in Rangers' favour.