Ryan Naderi Could Follow Minsu Kim Into International Football After Rangers Derby Heroics

Ryan Naderi could be on the verge of making a major decision over his international future after his impressive start to life at Rangers.

The striker was one of the players to benefit from Rangers’ emphatic 3-0 victory over Celtic in Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup Old Firm clash, and his form could now be rewarded with a first senior international appearance.

Naderi is understood to have featured on a preliminary list of players being considered by the Czech Republic for their upcoming Nations League fixtures.

The Rangers forward has a unique choice to make when it comes to his international career. Born in Germany and raised in Dresden, Naderi has a Bulgarian father and Czech mother, meaning he is eligible to represent Germany, Bulgaria or the Czech Republic.

Bulgaria have already attempted to secure his services. Earlier this year, national team boss Alexander Dimitrov selected Naderi, but the striker opted against accepting the opportunity as he wanted to concentrate on establishing himself at Ibrox.

His latest inclusion on the Czech Republic’s long list, however, could indicate that his thinking has changed.

The Czech national team are preparing for a demanding run of fixtures involving Croatia, Spain and England, and Naderi is now among the players being considered ahead of those matches.

Should he make the final squad, it could mark the beginning of his senior international career and potentially bring an end to the uncertainty surrounding which country he intends to represent.

Naderi is not the only Rangers player enjoying international recognition following the weekend’s derby.

Minsu Kim has already received confirmation of his first senior call-up after being selected for South Korea.

The winger’s involvement in Rangers’ 3-0 demolition of Celtic appears to have strengthened his case, with new South Korea head coach Robert Moreno naming him in his squad for the upcoming international fixtures.

Kim had previously been involved with the South Korean Under-23 side, although he did not get onto the pitch during a meeting with Japan in March.

This time, the 24-year-old is in line to make his senior debut, with South Korea scheduled to face Ecuador in Suwon later this month.

Moreno has initially been placed in charge on a caretaker basis and will oversee a series of home friendlies against Ecuador, Uruguay, Venezuela and Uzbekistan.

The Spanish coach has made it clear that current form will be central to his selection decisions.

“Performance is the top priority,” Moreno said, stressing that players need to show their current level rather than rely on previous achievements to earn opportunities with the national team.

For Kim, that philosophy appears to have worked in his favour after his strong performances for Rangers.

Naderi will now hope his own displays can produce the same outcome. After helping Rangers secure a statement Old Firm victory, the striker could soon have an international decision to make.