Mohamed Diomande wants Rangers to stay aggressive throughout season finale

Rangers midfielder Mohamed Diomande felt an aggressive start against Hearts was the key to getting back to winning ways.

The Ivorian is determined to keep pushing in the same way to make their season finale a memorable one.

Diomande missed the defeat by Ross County and goalless draw with Dundee after undergoing surgery on a thumb injury.

The 22-year-old was a key player in Sunday’s 2-0 Scottish Gas Scottish Cup semi-final win over Hearts, with his tenacity and willingness to show for the ball proving influential as Rangers started strongly.

He said: “We hadn’t found our level in the previous couple of weeks. It’s easy to drop a level but we needed to push on Sunday to show our level again, and we did.

“We did that by showing in the first 30 minutes that we were aggressive, pushing them, winning tackles and playing for each other, and we got the goal and fought for the second one.”

Rangers go into the final five matches of the cinch Premiership season three points and five goals worse off than Celtic, who they will face in the Scottish Cup final on May 25.

The teams also meet in the league on May 11 and, with Celtic yet to string three Premiership wins together since the winter break, there is all to play for.

“It could be a fantastic season because we have six games to go and I am happy we are in the final,” said Diomande, who joined Gers in January on an initial loan deal from Danish side Nordsjaelland.

“What we do now is to prepare for the next game against St Mirren and go there for a win.

“I am going to do everything to help my team. My team-mates and coaching staff are also pushing. I will do everything to show that I am ready to be in the starting XI and show my best.

“We have been on a good run. I know the previous couple of games we were not at our level but it’s good to win again and have the confidence.”