Rangers dropped from international squad as he slips down pecking order amid criticism
Today at 04:35 AM
Several Rangers first-team stars are getting ready to play for their counties during the final international break of the year.
The campaign has already been halted twice by the expectation to play international fixtures with November's international fortnight the final breather before a hectic four month run of games.
But whilst several in the Rangers squad will be away representing their country, there's one player who has been unceremoniously dropped from his national team this time round.
Mohamed Diomande dropped by Ivory Coast
Mohamed Diomande found himself at the centre of an international tug of war between West African nations Ivory Coast and Ghana last season.
The 23-year-old midfielder is a key player for Rangers and was ready to take the step up to the international stage after a £4.3m loan-to-buy switch from FC Nordsjællandlast January.
After opting to turn out for the nation of his birth Ivory Coast, rather than his adopted nation Ghana, Dio had begun to become a feature of the nation's national team squads.
But Rangers fans will note that amid some criticism of Diomande's performances at Ibrox, the midfielder has not been included in Emerse Fae's latest Ivory Coast squad.
Rangers star slips down pecking order
With the Elephants set to Zambia (A) and Chad (H) in AFCON Qualification during this latest international break, Mohamed Diomande hasn't been included in the Ivory Coast squad.
The Rangers midfielder does face some stiff competition to break into the nation's starting XI but the decision not to include Dio will come as a surprise to fans.
After Ivory Coast confirmed their latest squad, Mohamed Diomande was nowhere to be seen with several high profile stars called up instead.
In the middle of the pitch Ivory Coast opted to call up Jean Aholou (Angers), Armani Lazare (Union Saint-Gilloise), Dorgeles Maho (FC Nordsjælland), Fofaka Seko (Al-Nassr), Franck Kessie (Al-Ahli) and Hamed Traore (Auxerre) instead.
With the squad announced five days ago, any suggestion the decision was made due to injury has been dispelled by the fact Mohamed Diomande played 90 minutes against Hearts at Ibrox a day later.
Diomande has made four caps for the Ivory Coast national team since making his debut against Gabon in July.
