'We are looking': Rangers defender primed for international call-up
The Rangers defender is eyeing an international call up.
Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez is in line for a Nigeria call-up after being told he is on the radar of head coach Eric Chelle.
Fernandez has enjoyed a strong debut campaign at Rangers and scored his fifth goal of the season as Danny Rohl’s side came back from two down to rescue a late point in a 2-2 draw against Livingston at the weekend in the Scottish Premiership.
Eligible to play for Nigeria via his parents, Fernandez is understood to be keen on representing the Super Eagles internationally, who could yet feature at next summer's World Cup pending their appeal against elimination from the qualifiers. Claiming that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during their African play-off final defeat, Nigeria has lodged an appeal with FIFA and indicated that they will take legal action unless they are allowed to take DR Congo's place in the intercontinental play-offs next month.
Regardless of the outcome of that appeal, the Rangers defender has been given hope that he could be included in the squad for next month’s friendlies against Iran and Jordan, with Nigeria head coach Chelle admitting: “We have a couple of players who were born abroad, who want to play for the team and we are looking at how they will fit in. Of course, we can’t bring all of them into the team. We will, however, pick those that we know can bring competition to the squad, improve the team and also fit our game project."
Meanwhile, ex-Rangers youngster Jordan Houston has ended his time with Finnish top-flight side FC Haka by completing a move to Irish outfit Waterford United, who are managed by former Ibrox frontman Jon Daly. The League of Ireland Premier Division side are yet to win any of their opening three league games under the new head coach, who scored 26 goals during his time as a player at Rangers, and have moved to sign the right-back after his time in the Nordic country.
After making his professional debut at Ibrox in 2019 when he appeared off the bench against Cowdenbeath in the Scottish Cup, the defender spent time on loan with Airdrieonians before signing a permanent deal with Ayr United in the summer of 2020. After three seasons of regular football with The Honest Men, Houston took on short spells at Queen of the South and Clyde before making the surprise move to Finland with FC Haka, who play in the Veikkausliiga.
“I’m delighted to be here and to be part of this club. I’m looking forward to getting myself in and meeting all the lads,” said Houston. “I’m happy to be working with Jon [Daly] and the staff this season. It’s a new challenge in a new country for me and I’m excited to get started.”
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