Rangers boss Philippe Clement has largely done a solid job at Ibrox

Derek Ferguson shocked by what Philippe Clement said about Rangers player on air

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Published on:

06 Oct 2024, 4:00 pm

Derek Ferguson was left perplexed by Philippe Clement's reasoning for leaving out Connor Barron for the Rangers versus St Johnstone match.

Barron was named among the substitutes as Clement made two changes on the back of the heavy loss to Lyon three days earlier.

Speaking on BBC Scotland Sportsound prior to kick-off, Clement confirmed the decision was taken to give Barron a breather.

Clement explained that, with the midfielder due to link up with the Scotland squad, he did not want to take any unnecessary risks.

Given the magnitude of the game, though, Ferguson could not understand that reasoning.

"That's baffling to me," he said [BBC Sportscene, 6 October, 7:30pm]. "I find it extremely strange because he's been their best player.

"Playing for Scotland is great but first and foremost, it's about Rangers Football Club.

"I find it extremely strange [Clement] said that. Your best player is sitting on the bench."

Philippe Clement must put Rangers first

Nedim Bajrami came into the side to face St Johnstone and it is a manager's job to make full use of the options available to them.

At the same time, Barron - while disappointing against Lyon - has been a key figure in midfield since arriving in the summer.

This was therefore a strange call on the face of it, especially when you consider that Tom Lawrence - another big player - was absent through injury.

Clement decided that it was best to name Barron among the substitutes as he may play two more games for his country over the next fortnight.

Rangers signed Connor Barron on a free transfer. (Credit: Imago)

The decision ultimately did not matter, as Vaclav Cerny gave the Gers a half-time lead and Barron was then introduced at half-time with his side in front.

Cerny's second ensured it was to be a serene night for Clement's men, even accounting for Ianis Hagi's red card, and the Belgian will be glad that the decision to leave out one of his regulars did not backfire.

In other Rangers news, Clement has been told to make a new Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane call at Ibrox this season

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Rangers

Derek Ferguson

Philippe Clement