Rangers star Mohamed Diomande has been praised for his 'great season' at Ibrox by Ivory Coast boss Emerse Fae.

The midfielder has been called up for the African nation after snubbing Ghana's approach for him and he could feature in the double-header World Cup qualifiers against Gabon and Kenya next month.

He is expected to make his loan deal from Danish side Nordsaelland permanent this summer after impressing during his spell at Ibrox.

And Ivory Coast boss Fae has been monitoring Diomande after selecting him for the first time for his squads. He previously won one cap for their Under 23s against Morocco a year ago.

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He said: "I have picked five new players and they aren't just coming to make up the numbers.

"For example, Mohamed Diomande has been rewarded for the great season he had in Scotland.

"He's been picked on merit and this is a very strong squad."

Diomande stated last week how proud he was to be in the squad.

He said: "My lifelong ambition has been to play for Ivory Coast - the homeland of my parents.

"I am eager to play for the Elephants."

Diomande was included in Ghana's squad in March, but declined to join up with them.