Hugh Keevins moots Clement to be in ‘Intensive Care’ in new Rangers sack verdict
Hugh Keevins believes failure to secure maximum points from the next three Scottish Premiership fixtures will put Philippe Clement back into “intensive care” at Rangers.
The Belgian defied expectations with a potentially job-saving 4-1 win against Nice in the Europa League on Thursday [28 November] as Vaclav Cerny, Mohammed Diomande and a Hamza Igamane brace rounded off a statement victory in France.
However, uncertainty still lingers on Clement’s future at Ibrox, as Keevins discussed in his Daily Record column [1 December] and, with the side’s AGM ahead, the reporter believes securing maximum points in from the next three games could save the under-fire boss.
Writing: “He must now win in Perth and at Dingwall next weekend while beating Kilmarnock at home in between time. The game against Derek McInnes’ side is significant for two reasons. It’s on the night before the AGM and against a Killie side managed by the man whose name is frequently touted for Clement’s job.
“The person who is allegedly a dead man walking at Ibrox has the means of staging a full recovery in his own hands. But failure to win maximum points from his next three league games puts Philippe back into intensive care.
“The club’s AGM, in the meantime, will act as a temperature check. Disruptive or demonstrably supportive? The latter choice seemed fanciful, if not delusional, a week ago. Clement has created a chink of light since then.”
Philippe Clement cannot drop points for Rangers v St Johnstone
Clement went against his instincts on Thursday night and selected Igamane to start the clash at the Allianz Riviera over Cyriel Dessers – a decision which returned in dividends and then some.
Whether the Belgian will continue to place his faith in the Moroccan remains to be seen, but after two goals and one assist against one of the best sides in Ligue 1, he could replicate his feat at McDiarmid Park on Sunday [1 November].
Dessers was introduced for the final 20 minutes in France and did what he does best – missing a sitter to put himself on the scoresheet against a side already well-beaten.
The Nigerian has been a problem at Ibrox all season, but without a viable replacement, he has, up until this point, been allowed to continue his lacklustre form for the Light Blues – but thankfully for the supporters, this is no longer the case.
However, the result on Sunday will ultimately be decided at the opposite end of the pitch; St Johnstone have developed a reputation for starting matches quick in Scotland, and the Gers have only picked up four points from their last four SPFL outings – a stark contrast to their European form.
Therefore, this clash could become a shootout in Perth, and if Dessers is given another opportunity to lead the line, Clement may as well pack his bags at Ibrox ahead of kickoff.
In other Rangers news, Gers boss Philippe Clement will not want to watch back Todd Cantwell’s celebration for Blackburn Rovers.
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