First impressions go a long way in football and the Rangers players have been nudging elbows to do just that in Philippe Clement’s early training sessions.
The new boss got off to the perfect start against Hibs but things ramp up a gear on the European stage now with a trip to Prague presenting a different challenge altogether. Rangers will be determined they’re in the Europa League to stay with memories of that 2022 run under Gio van Bronckhorst not yet fading for the likes of James Tavernier and Borna Barisic…though the latter isn’t likely to play here after missing training. Dujon Sterling missed out too and two youngsters have been battling it out to step into their boots.
Everyone was wrapped up warm in the final Auchenhowie session before flying out and returning striker Danilo might have been grateful for his mask in the chilly conditions. But what did we learn from an up close look at Clement’s final preparations? Record Sport takes a look.
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You can’t say he’s not earned it the hard way. Every time Scott Wright’s career at Ibrox appears to be over, he seems to step back into the ring for another round and Clement gave him only his second league start of the season against Hibs. Will he get another chance to nail down his spot in Prague?
Wee bit chilly is it, lads? You can see their breath in this one as ,John Lundstram, John Souttar Ryan Jack and Connor Goldson pull the gloves on getting ready to brave the conditions.
He won’t want to be this isolated if he leads the line on Thursday, that’s for sure! Sam Lammers took a bit of time to himself and was snapped standing on his lonesome in the middle of the Auchenhowie pitch.
That signature boyish grin is never far from his face and it seems Todd Cantwell is keeping his spirits up ahead of what he hopes will be a return to the starting 11. He got half an hour against Hibs and is nearing full fitness.
