‘Positive’ Philippe Clement hails two new Rangers signings who will start vs Celtic

Stand-out performances against St Johnstone and Ross County are one thing. But if you really want to make a name for yourself as a Rangers player, Parkhead is the place to do it.

 

Philippe Clement’s side travel to the home of the enemy last week, walking into the lion’s den and hoping to avoid the sort of mauling that has occurred far too often over recent years.

Rangers have only beaten Celtic once in the league since August 2021. But having come close to breaking that streak last term – defeated four times by a one-goal margin including during the Scottish Cup final – Clement is demanding his players go one step further on Sunday and exercise the ghosts of nearly a decade of disappointment.

 

“Because we were really close last season,” Clement said when asked why he feels Rangers can secure all three points next week, via the club’s YouTube channel.

 

“We were really close at Ibrox. We were really close in the Cup Final. The difference in the Cup Final was one action that they were efficient and we were not.

“We had the same chances. We had the same possession also.”

Philippe Clement preparing Rangers for Celtic clash

Adam Idah pounced in 90th minute following a rare Jack Butland fumble at Hampden Park.

That rather sums up the way things have gone for Rangers in those Old Firm derbies of late; even their Player of the Year slipping up against those auld enemies from down the road.

 

Clement will likely need the usually-excellent and occasionally ‘world-class’ Butland to be at his best this time around if Rangers are to avoid a five-point gap behind opened at the top of the Premiership table.

 

The experienced goalkeeper will be the first name on Clement’s team sheet. A team sheet that is also likely to contain several Old Firm derby debutants, left-back Jefte Vital and midfield general Connor Barron destined to play a big role.

“So, OK, I know it will be a new game for a few guys,” the former Monaco boss adds. “And I’m curious now how they’re going to react the first time to play an Old Firm. But I’m also really positive about that way, if you speak about the Jeftes and the Connor Barrons.