Igamane to 'kick off Rangers player-trading model' at Old Trafford

Hamza Igamane can raise the "player-trading model" at Rangers to a higher standard just by performing against Manchester United, according to Gary Keown.

Keown has suggested on page 97 of the Scottish Mail on Sunday (19 January) that Igamane is already "carrying [the weight] on his shoulders" of the Light Blues, who visit Old Trafford for an iconic Europa League contest this Thursday (23 January).

Igamane was signed from his homeland in Morocco in the summer and after being steadily dipped into action, has now scored 13 goals and provided three assists so far this season as he accumulates outside interest.

Keown compared the forward to Amad Diallo, who was underwhelming under pressure as a youngster on loan at Ibrox but is now flourishing and making serious headlines as a Manchester United player.

The Scottish Mail writer said: "[Igamane] is already carrying the Ibrox club on his shoulders. Much like, as someone on social media pointed out this week, little Amad down at Manchester United, whom Rangers come up against on Thursday.

"Igamane seems the type to grasp the thistle in a more single-minded manner. And where better for him to showcase his abilities to a wider audience than at Old Trafford in a few days' time.

"Do something there and he might just be the fellow to get Rangers' infamous 'player-trading model' properly up and running after all this time."

Igamane saving Rangers as Amad saves Manchester United

Keown insinuates here that Igamane could net Rangers a tidy sum when he eventually leaves Ibrox, and also compared the Moroccan to Alfredo Morelos, who - while as prolific as problematic with the Gers - failed to capitalise on his subsequent move to Brazilian giants Santos.

Igamane featured only sporadically early on in the season but fast-forward five months, has now become the main man going forward at Ibrox.

He has spared Clement's blushes and potentially saved the Belgian's job on several occasions in the past few weeks, in his wake leaving Cyriel Dessers - last season's leading marksman with 22 goals who now looks increasingly likely to head for the exit door.

Amad scored just three goals while on loan in Glasgow from Old Trafford, never looking particularly comfortable in a blue shirt, but has since excelled with a productive loan at Sunderland followed by an increasing importance in the Man Utd side.

He is now their beacon of hope in a difficult opening period for Ruben Amorim as manager - and he meets Clement on Thursday.

In what is utterly chalk and cheese on the fixture list, however, Rangers must first deal with Highland League Fraserburgh in the Scottish Cup fourth round at Ibrox (19 January).

In other Rangers news, Clement speaks on Ianis Hagi's future.

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