'Difficult' - Rangers ace responds to Chris Jack over 'Consternation' on new signings after Hearts

Philippe Clement’s decision to start only one new name as Rangers drew 0-0 at Hearts has been defended by John Souttar as signings take time to adapt.

The Gers centre back told Chris Jack [Rangers Review, 4 August] that it is “difficult” upon arrival at the club and it takes time for recruits to establish themselves into the squad, speaking from experience.

Connor Barron was the only summer signing to make the starting XI at Tynecastle on 3 August, with Robin Propper in the stands and the trio Vaclav Cerny, Jefte and Liam Kelly on the bench.

Asked if there was more to come from the new arrivals Souttar said: “Of course. I was in myself coming into this club and it is difficult when you first come in. I thought they done well.

“It is going to take time for them to bed in, take time to be themselves in the group, especially when you come from different countries and it is difficult to get used to the language and the culture. Even their families off the pitch.

“It will take time for them relax and bed in but it is important that the boys here support them and give them everything they can to do that.”

John Souttar reacts as Connor Barron only new Rangers starter

Barron being the lone new starter can be explained through a collection of circumstances but make it difficult to escape the conclusion that Rangers have embarked on a new campaign undercooked.

It was clear by the end of last season that Clement needed to strengthen, but as things stand it is debatable whether the situation has gone backwards once departures have been taken into account.

Propper hadn’t trained but surely has to come in vs Dynamo Kyiv after Ben Davies looked very shaky against the Jam Tarts, while Vaclav Cerny confirmed ahead of the Hearts game he wasn’t yet ready to start.

Nobody would have expected Kelly to start over Jack Butland but Ridvan Yilmaz’s erratic first-half display may have pushed Clement closer to introducing Jefte before too long, although the Turk improved after the break.

Signing Hamza Igamane for a reported £2.5million [Scottish Sun, 22 June] when he hasn’t even been deemed ready to join full-team training yet [4 Lads Had A Dream, 30 July] may prove to be a masterstroke in the long run but appears short-sighted right now when Danilo is still short of full fitness.

Cyriel Dessers was arguably one of the stronger performers at Tynecastle and potential replacement Lawrence Shankland didn’t majorly overshadow him for the home side.

But unless Danilo or Igamane eventually explode into life Clement still looks short of a key man up top.

The finances have forced the Belgian to sell before he can buy but it is going to take a hectic final few weeks of the window to get everything done in time.

In other Rangers news, a former Jambo admits fear that Shankland will now be moving to Ibrox.

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