Cornelius’ cracker downed Wales on Tuesday but it was no surprise to Juventus ace Jonathan David.
12:52, 10 Sep 2025Updated 19:19, 10 Sep 2025
Derek Cornelius scores a free-kick against Wales
Juventus star Jonathan David insists he’s been urging Rangers new boy Derek Cornelius to unleash the wonderstrike for YEARS that saw Canada dump Wales.
The defender, who clinched a deadline day loan move to Ibrox from Marseille last week, netted his first international goal in his 37th cap with a stunning free kick in Tuesday night’s friendly clash in Swansea.
Cornelius let fly with his left foot from 25 yards, giving goalkeeper Adam Davies no chance. It was a glimpse of what he’s ready to offer in Govan. And Serie A ace David reckons the quality of the goal was no surprise – because he’s known he had the quality for years.
The Canada skipper, who moved to Juve from Lille in the summer, said: “It’s a great free kick. We know he has the quality to shoot them. It was a good day for Derek.
“I was encouraging him to step up and shoot them earlier – years ago. But I guess Tuesday was the day and I’m happy for him.”
Cornelius could be handed a Rangers debut against Hearts this weekend. The 27-year-old has only made two substitute appearances for Marseille so far this season but played every minute for his country in the wins over Wales and Romania in the last week.
Derek Cornelius scores cracker for Canada
Asked if he’d had to convince Canada boss Jesse Marsch to put him on free kicks against Wales he said: “Jesse no.. maybe Ali (team mate, Ali Ahmed) yes! But I was working on it in training this week and I just felt confident, I was in a good place, I got good contact and I’m just glad it went in. I know I have a good strike and I just went up and hit it good!”
Former Malmo and Vancouver Whitecaps defender Cornelius believes his game is in a good place, revealing how Marsch has made demands of him on the international stage ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
He said: “It’s taking on more responsibility. The Gold Cup was a disappointment for everybody – myself included. But we learned from it, we need to flip the page and get things right going forward for the World Cup.”
Meanwhile Cornelius’ defensive partner for Canada, Richie Laryea, reckons Rangers are getting a player brimming with confidence.
The former Nottingham Forest man, now back home with Toronto, said: “He was a monster on Tuesday. He’s not played 90 for a little bit so to get two was a real positive for him.
“He’s been good both matches and to get that free kick was great – he’s been practising it for a long time now. To pull it off in a game like this is good for his confidence.”