Currently on loan from Brighton, Abdallah Sima is yet to play for the Premier League side but is finally finding his feet somewhere following a switch from the Czech Republic.

The ex-Slavia Prague attacker is still without an international cap since 2021, the striker having earned four caps for Senegal earlier in his career.

But with the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on the horizon, Abdallah Sima admits that he’s eyeing a spot at the tournament.

Whilst the striker is clear he is fully focused on what’s happening with Rangers, Abdallah Sima is biding his time when it comes to AFCON.

Planning further discussions in the weeks ahead, the attacker has put it to the back of his mind but is clear it’s still lingering around inside there somewhere.

”I think for us, for African players, it’s something really important for me,” said Abdallah Sima.

“But now I am focused on my club. That’s the most important now for me.

“I’m just focused on what I’m doing right now so then for African Cup we will see.

“For sure it’s something I think in my mind but I have to speak with the club, with the coaches so we will see in a few weeks.”

Senegal are in Group C of the competition in the Ivory Coast, where they’ll play Gambia, Guinea and Cameroon.

Whilst no one is begrudging Abdallah Sima an opportunity at AFCON glory with a talented Senegal team, the Ibrox side could probably do without losing the forward.

The Africa Cup of Nations is set to run between the 13th of January and the 11th of February with the Scottish winter break finishing on the 20th of January.

If Abdallah Sima is called up for Senegal, it means Rangers could face several matches without the forward should the nation go deep into the competition.

Incorporating a rest after the tournament, should Senegal go all the way Rangers would lose Abdallah Sima for seven matches.

Namely, this includes the Scottish Cup tie against Dumbarton and any opponent in the next round should the Gers overcome the Sons of the rock.

In the Scottish Premiership, Rangers would be without Sima for clashes against Hibernian (A), St Mirren (A), Livingston (H), Aberdeen (H) and St Johnstone (A).