International scrap between Finland and DR Congo for Serge Atakayi proves Rangers have a talent on their hands

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It has been a memorable season for Serge Atakayi, who was handed his Rangers debut earlier in the campaign by Steven Gerrard.

Atakayi appeared as a substitute in Rangers’ 7-1 win over Motherwell back in November but injury has held him back from making any further appearances.

But despite that, Atakayi is still at the centre of a tug-of-war between two countries fighting for his international allegiance.

The 20-year-old has simultaneously been called up by Finland’s under-21 team (albeit only on standby) and DR Congo’s Olympics team.

Atakayi was born in DR Congo but fled to Finland in 2010 to seek asylum. In 2016, he was granted Finnish citizenship and has represented the Scandinavian country from under-17 to under-19 level.

But Atakayi now has a big decision to make on his international future: does he pick the country of his birth or his adopted nation?

Rangers fans should be encouraged by the heated battle for Atakayi’s international services. This shows that the exciting young winger is a real talent and one to watch in the near future.

Atakayi will be hoping to add to his one senior appearance either later this season or next term.

And Rangers have the youngster tied down until summer 2020 so they can watch him develop and become a household name at Ibrox.