Abdallah Sima has refused to rule out a return to Rangers next season after expressing his delight at how his loan spell at Ibrox has worked out for him.

The Senegalese forward made the move north of the border from Brighton and Hove Albion last summer and quickly established himself as a key player for Michael Beale and then Philippe Clement. A serious thigh injury sustained during the AFCON kept him out of action for several weeks but he has returned in time for the closing weeks of the Premiership campaign.

Sima is set to start against Hearts in the Scottish Cup semi-finals on Sunday as he seeks to add another medal to the League Cup he lifted in December. And the chance to lift silverware could entice him to sign on for a second time at Ibrox if Rangers can strike a deal with the Seagulls this summer.

Sima said: “This was the perfect team for me. I came here to play games and score and get experience. I have some teammates who have really helped us, some experienced players. I am very happy now to be here to be honest. I didn’t expect to have a season like that. I am a winner and I want to win. I want to win everything here so that is why I enjoy this club. I hope to win everything for this club, for the fans because they deserve that.

“The most important thing is that I am really happy here. It is not just dependant on me. I am happy here, my family are as well. I am enjoying being here.”