Clement spot on with Propper decision as Rangers XI confirmed v St Mirren
Philippe Clement must make no apologies for axing Robin Propper from the Rangers starting XI to face St Mirren on Thursday.
The 31-year-old has struggled to adapt to life in Scotland since the summer and the manager’s decision to pair Leon Balogun and Dujon Sterling says everything ahead of the clash on 26 December.
He is just one of four changes, with Liam Kelly, Nico Raskin and Danilo all replaced by Jack Butland, Connor Barron and Nedim Bajrami, respectively, for the clash at SMISA Stadium [Offical X account].
The Gers can keep up the race on their Old Firm rivals Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership table with all three points, and Clement will feel this team has every chance of doing so.
That is especially without the liability that is Propper in defence, who has continued to be a weak point in the Light Blues’ team, even picking up a yellow card in the 1-0 win over Dundee last time out.
Robin Propper axed ahead of St Mirren v Rangers
Clement has certainly made the right decision ahead of their Scottish Premiership clash, even if it does mean pairing a 36-year-old with a youngster whose natural position is right-back.
With John Souttar missing thanks to a brand-new injury blow, the manager is being forced to take risks with his lineup, and putting Sterling is exactly that – an experiment.
However, it just goes to show how little his manager trusts him against the likes of St Mirren, with many supporters suggesting that an early Ibrox exit could be on the cards ahead of the January transfer window.
All three points are exactly what the Gers need at the SMISA Stadium, hoping to keep the nine-point gap on the Hoops, but recent history would suggest that the Saints will do everything to stop that.
With Propper now removed from the starting lineup, the Gers should feel more comfortable and secure that they can keep a clean sheet and return to Ibrox with the victory.
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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