Starring for Gers can help me land my World Cup dream

Diomande is focused on club success so Ivory Coast can't leave him out

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RANGERS gave Mohamed Diomande the platform to realise his Ivory Coast cap ambition.

Now he is convinced his World Cup dream can be cemented in Govan by helping fire the Ibrox side to glory.

Diomande admits he was gutted to miss out on Les Elephants' squad for the Africa Cup of Nations this month.

His omission came as a surprise to Gers boss Danny Rohl as much as anyone after the German had revealed he was preparing for life without the engine-room workhorse.

But it has only fired Diomande up to crank up his club displays.

The midfielder is convinced he can change Ivory Coast boss Emerse Fae's mind and crank Rangers' push for silverware up a gear.

The 24-year-old made his full international debut in a World Cup qualifier against Gabon in June 2024.

But he hasn't featured for his country since a friendly draw with Canada six months ago.

He said: "First of all, I am grateful because when I joined Rangers that is when I made a step to be a player for my country.

"Missing out on the African Cup is a bit of a disappointment but I am happy I'm at one of the biggest clubs.

"I just focus on myself. I am going to support my national team. I hope we can be successful in the African Cup.