Philippe Clement is under pressure at Rangers.

Sky Sports share absolutely huge Clement news at Rangers from outside Ibrox

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Published on:

31 Dec 2024, 11:10 am

Gordon Duncan says the Rangers versus Celtic clash is "absolutely huge" for Philippe Clement given the question marks over his tenure.

The Gers will be without a key player when they host their fiercest rivals at Ibrox on Thursday (2 January), as confirmed by Clement.

While the Scottish Premiership title race is effectively over already before the turn of the year, this latest Old Firm showdown could have big ramifications for Clement.

Speaking live on Sky Sports News from outside Ibrox [31 December, 3:22pm], Duncan said: "It's absolutely huge for [Clement].

"The worrying thing for Rangers is that, even if they do win this game, it might be too little too late. It would only cut the gap to 11 points.

"However, it would be massive for the manager as he has never beaten Celtic. That cannot continue forever."

Philippe Clement may face Rangers sack with defeat to Celtic

Not that any Gers fans need reminding, but the recent record against Celtic has been nothing short of abysmal.

There is no such thing as an Old Firm that means nothing, and in this case it means absolutely everything for Clement.

The Belgian is under intense pressure, of that you can make no mistake, and defeat to Celtic this week may well spell the end.

Not only would it extend Clement's winless run in this fixture, it would also see Celtic - if they win - go 17 points clear with just 18 matches played.

Ibrox, the home of Rangers [Credit: Imago]

That would be a truly staggering gulf and quite simply cannot be allowed to happen. The title is gone, but pride is very much on the line.

That is why this contest is "absolutely huge" for Clement, and it is why he dare not come out second best in this latest encounter with opposite number Brendan Rodgers.

In other Rangers news, Alan Hutton was surprised by something Michael Stewart said about recent controversy.

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Gordon Duncan

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