'Curse of Rangers' - Pundit reacts to chaotic start by new signing Clement talked up 'Big Time'

Robin Propper has not proven himself to be an upgrade on Connor Goldson at Rangers despite being talked up in a big way by Philippe Clement, says Derek Ferguson.

The former FC Twente captain has been inconsistent since arriving as the replacement for the now-Aris Limassol centre-back.

An own-goal on debut against Motherwell, fitness concerns, and a poorly-timed slip in the box as Celtic took the lead at Parkhead have characterised the Dutchman’s short Gers career so far.

Ferguson accepts it is early to judge and is prepared to trust the manager’s claims for now but early signs are concerning for a key signing.

He exclusively told Ibrox News: “He doesnae look any different for me from Goldson. Now, he was a leader as well on the park. It’s hard to make judgments at the moment but you can only go with what the manager’s saying. The manager’s talked him up big time, says he’s exactly what they need.

“You only thing when you look at him is he’s at a good age, he’s an experienced boy, but is the curse of Rangers with the injuries going to strike again? I hope not.

“It’s a wee bit early to make a real judgment on him.”

Rangers signing scored own-goal on debut vs Motherwell

Four Gers appearances is a small sample size but early signs may have set some alarm bells ringing, amid fears Propper might join the likes of John Souttar and Ben Davies as signings in recent years who too often flatter to deceive.

In the 30-year-old’s defence he has been throw into a side beset with problems and without the benefit of any preseason under Clement thanks to the late business the Belgian was forced to do in the market.

An unfortunate own-goal on debut could probably happen to anyone, but a bizarre tactical switch which helped put paid to the controversial loss to Dynamo Kyiv was more concerning [Rangers Review, 14 August].

Add to that one game missed hurt already and being substituted in three of his four starts, before a sloppy game at Celtic, and it’s been a bruising start to his Rangers career.

He wouldn’t be the first player if he needed a season to get settled, but Clement needed someone to lift the back line’s fortunes instantly and Propper so far hasn’t done that, which has contributed to a malaise around the Gers already.

In other Rangers news, Clement could seek a surprise Ibrox return after a former favourite was embarrassed by his own boss.

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