Ryan Naderi emerges as key figure in Rangers' revival

WHAT HAPPENED
Ryan Naderi scored a first-half double against Kilmarnock as Rangers recorded a sixth straight league win and continued a run of seven victories in all competitions. The German-born Czech striker has three goals in his last two league games and six goals and three assists overall this season.

KEY CONTEXT
Naderi has emerged as a regular source of end product while deputising for injured forwards Lawrence Shankland and Youssef Chermiti. He had earlier scored the winner in Rangers' 1-0 league victory at Celtic before the international break and provided a crucial assist for Bojan Miovski in the late win over St Mirren.

Former Rangers forward Peter Lovenkrands likened Naderi to Thomas Muller, saying: "He reminds me a lot of Thomas Muller - he's not nice on the eye at times, but he creates stuff because he's so unorthodox."

Manager Derek McInnes highlighted Naderi's work-rate and finishing, adding: "He's always such an honest boy, he's willing to put defenders under pressure...if the ball goes in the box, he'll score his goals."

Additional details from the run include Rangers' strong defensive form — only one league goal conceded in their previous five Premiership games, a record blemished by a late Nicky Clesenco consolation for Kilmarnock.

PAST STRUGGLES AND RECENT RISE
Naderi, who signed from German third-tier side Hansa Rostock in February, had struggled for consistency early on. Last season he scored one league goal and two in a League Cup win over Queen's Park, but his recent form has elevated his standing with supporters. He also made his Czech Republic debut last week.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Rangers sit a point above Celtic in the Scottish Premiership. Celtic visit Motherwell on Sunday as they seek to regain top spot.