Novo craft propels Rangers

By Alex O'Henley

Rangers FC striker Nacho Novo celebrated his eleventh goal of the season in last weekend's Old Firm game, but the Spanish forward could just as easily be scoring goals in the green and white of city rivals Celtic FC this season.

Old Firm pursuit
The 25-year-old was pursued by both Glasgow clubs during the summer after scoring 25 goals for Dundee FC, but mindful perhaps of the pitfalls of following in the footsteps of goalscoring legend Henrik Larsson at Parkhead, Novo opted to continue his career at Ibrox instead.

Good decision
So far, it is a decision that has paid off handsomely for both club and player with Novo more than justifying his modest €650,000 transfer fee. After an uncertain start when he was used in wide areas, Novo has been moved into his favoured central position forming a promising partnership with Croatia striker Dado Pršo, another of the summer arrivals at Ibrox.

Larsson impression
Novo's ability in front of goal has already prompted comparisons with former fans' favourite Ally McCoist, but without meaning to be disrespectful, Novo has set his sights on emulating the man he almost replaced on the other side of Glasgow. "Last season I was the second top scorer behind Henrik Larsson with 25 goals," he said. "Some fans tell me I remind them of Ally McCoist. He was small too and his record speaks for itself. Now I am dreaming of being top scorer this season, to be the new Henrik Larsson."

Diminutive Spaniard
Since his arrival from SD Huesca in 2001, the diminutive Spaniard from Ferrol has scored goals on a regular basis in Scotland. Nineteen goals in his first season with Raith Rovers FC prompted interest from Norwich City FC where he spent a week on trial in November 2001, but it was Dundee who signed him the following summer.

Dundee spree
He scored just six goals in his first season for the Dens Park side, but Novo's impressive tally last term convinced both Alex McLeish and Martin O'Neill that the pacy forward would be a useful addition to their squads. The player himself admits he is still adjusting to life at Rangers although he is more than happy with the way things have gone so far.

'Win or win'
"I've always known that I have what it takes to score goals and I knew that all it would take was to get the right kind of opportunities, from the coach and on the pitch, and I'd show I'm good enough for Rangers," he added. "There is a lot of pressure here because you only have two choices: win or win, as we say in Spain, and the main pressure is that if a season passes without at least a trophy, then it's a total disaster."

Heading home
Having failed to make the grade in his native country as a young player, Novo is hoping his performances in Scotland for Rangers will win him a move to the Spanish Primera División before his career ends and he has also revealed an ambition to represent his country at international level.

Settled in Scotland
"One day, maybe the idea might be to play in the Primera División," said Novo. "But this is where I want to be, this is where people had faith in me and I only see Spain as somewhere to go towards the end of my career. I would love to play for my country at some point but at the moment I'm only thinking about Rangers."