Ness backing Diouf to shine

Diouf: Gers debut

Rangers' rising star Jamie Ness believes El-Hadji Diouf will prove a good loan signing for the SPL champions.

The winger joined from Blackburn on transfer deadline day and was named on the bench for the clash against Hearts at Ibrox, along with fellow new recruits David Healy and Kyle Bartley.

Diouf was thrust into the fray with just 20 minutes played following an injury to Lee McCulloch and Ness felt the Senegalese ace showed plenty of promise.

"It was difficult for him as I don't think he expected to come on so early," he said.

"But he showed some good touches and I think he will only get better and be a really good player for us.

"He's obviously got the quality so, if he's playing, hopefully he will be able to do something for us."

Old Firm

Diouf infamously spat at a Celtic fan in 2003 and now could be involved in Sunday's Old Firm derby when the Glasgow rivals meet in the Scottish Cup.

Ness himself was back in the starting line-up for the visit of Hearts after being dropped to the bench for the Co-operative Insurance Cup win over Motherwell and he hopes to be involved in the Old Firm clash.

He continued: "Hopefully I'll be involved. I always want to play and hopefully the gaffer will think I've done enough to merit a place.

"I've trained with the first team boys regularly for almost two years so I know everyone really well and I know everyone's game well and I think that has helped me a lot."