Clement must continue with Dujon Sterling experiment in St Mirren v Rangers
Dujon Sterling has struggled to keep his place in the Rangers starting XI this season but Philippe Clement might be able to fix that.
The 25-year-old has failed to remain fit for long periods of time, often spending spells in the treatment room while James Tavernier has cemented his spot at right-back once again.
However, the manager may have found a new way to get both full-backs into the side and could continue that experiment when the Gers travel to the SMISA Stadium to face St Mirren on Thursday 26 December.
Against Dundee last time out, Sterling was placed at centre-back alongside Robin Propper, and although it was far from a perfect display, he has the ability to adapt to any position on the pitch.
With John Souttar likely sidelined for several weeks, and Leon Balogun unable to play consecutive matches without the worry of a new injury, Sterling could be key.
Dujon Sterling to master new position ahead of St Mirren v Rangers
The 25-year-old’s only poor statistic came from his long-range passing, having only completed 17 per cent of his long balls, but that will be far from Clement’s biggest worry [FotMob].
Defensively, he was near-perfect. He won 100 per cent of his tackles, 67 per cent of his ground duels and 80 per cent of his aerial duels, also making six recoveries and three clearances.
With Propper only winning 50 per cent of his ground duels and 62 per cent of his aerial duels, also picking up a yellow card [FotMob], it seems much more likely that he will be dropped from the starting XI.
The Saints are more than capable of causing trouble for the Light Blues and given their recent history, Clement’s side will be lucky to keep a clean sheet at the SMISA Stadium.
Keeping Sterling in the starting lineup could be key if the Gers are to walk away with all three points, keeping the pressure on Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.
In other Rangers news, a player has revealed his reason for snubbing a move to Ibrox in 2018 despite a “very good” offer.
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