Ivor Pandur has opened up on his close relationship with Bojan Miovski after the Rangers striker delivered a dramatic late winner against St Mirren.
The Croatian goalkeeper was one of the first to celebrate with his fellow Balkan when Miovski came off the bench to settle the game at Ibrox.
Pandur and Miovski come from neighbouring Balkan nations, with the Rangers goalkeeper Croatian and the striker representing North Macedonia, and the pair have developed a strong relationship since becoming teammates, alongside Serbian duo Vanja Dragojevic and Kosta Nedeljkovic.
That bond was clear in Pandur's reaction to Miovski's dramatic contribution. The striker had not been involved in many matches recently but remained a positive presence around the Rangers dressing room before getting his opportunity against St Mirren.
And Pandur believes the 27-year-old deserved his moment.
'Nobody deserves it more'
Miovski had just minutes to make an impact after being introduced from the bench, but produced a superb finish in the closing stages to secure Rangers a fourth consecutive victory.
Pandur was delighted to see his teammate rewarded for his attitude during a difficult period.
"Yeah, I'm really happy for Bojan,” the goalkeeper revealed. “I think when you do good in life, good always comes back.
“He's the prime example for it because he wasn't involved in a lot of games, but he was always there making everybody smile and I cannot think of nobody who deserves it more."
"I think tonight is about him."
The Croatian's comments offer an insight into the relationship between the two players away from the pitch, with their shared Balkan background another connection inside the Rangers squad.
Miovski had found himself lower down the attacking pecking order earlier in the season, but circumstances have now changed dramatically.
With Youssef Chermiti and Lawrence Shankland both facing lengthy spells out, Miovski's importance to Derek McInnes' squad has increased significantly and he responded by producing a vital winner exactly when Rangers needed him most.
Miovski was linked with several moves away from Ibrox prior to Gers' skipper Shankland's hamstring injury, but remained in Govan, taking his chance even after leaving his agent and choosing to represent himself.
Balkan connection at Ibrox
Pandur and Miovski have both taken different routes through European football before arriving at Rangers.
Pandur came through in Croatia before spells abroad, while Miovski has established himself across several European leagues, as well as a prolific previous spell in Scotland with Aberdeen.
Now they share the Rangers dressing room and have formed a close connection. That relationship was reflected in Pandur's immediate reaction when asked about the winner.
The goalkeeper could easily have focused on his own contribution after making a crucial second half save to deny Buddies midfielder Fraser Taylor, but instead repeatedly returned to Miovski and the collective effort.
"Obviously we had good first half, second half we wasn't good and we need to improve a lot of things if we want to be a team that's fighting for titles,” Pandur told Rangers TV.
"I think there's lots of things we need to improve but today I think togetherness also was a massive part.
"We stick through tough moments because St Mirren are a good team and like I said, I'm just happy for Bojan."
Old Firm up next
Now the Croatian will experience his first Old Firm fixture, with Celtic arriving at Ibrox for Sunday's Premier Sports Cup quarter final.
Pandur knows the challenge will be significantly greater, but he is relishing the occasion.
"It's a game, we want to win it. We will give our best,” he said.
"We know we play against a tough opponent. It's a derby and I think everybody is excited and looking forward to it. Hopefully we will end up victorious."
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