'He's confusing' - Pundit baffled by what Clement did to Rangers star at Ibrox

Craig Moore has suggested Rangers players could be left confused by Philippe Clement’s messaging after a recent James Tavernier incident.

The Gers manager made the bold decision to substitute his captain during the Europa League defeat to Lyon at Ibrox, admitting that the Englishman had already had to play a lot of football so far this season [The National, 3 October].

But Clement then named the 32-year-old in his starting XI for the clash with St Johnstone a matter of days later and Go Radio pundit Moore admits he has been left baffled by the manager’s decision-making at times.

Speaking on The Go Radio Football Show (8 October, 14:00) he said: “At times, the manager’s press conferences and information that he gives out confuses people.

“He came on and said that James Tavernier has played a lot of football, he obviously takes him off [against Lyon] and you’re thinking it might be the opportunity for [Dujon] Sterling to get the start.

“It doesn’t happen and you touch on Raskin coming in for Connor Barron who I agree has been very, very good this season. I have no problem with him being rested for that particular match, but a lot of his comments don’t match up with what happens in the next possible match.

“He’s confusing at times the manager and if he’s confusing to us in the messages that come out to the media, what’s he like with his messaging to his players?”

What has happened to James Tavernier at Ibrox and Rangers?

Moore is right to suggest that Clement often seems to say one thing in the lead-up to a match and then do another when the game actually rolls around.

Most fans expected the Belgian to drop Tavernier completely this season with Sterling in place to take over as the first-choice right-back at Ibrox, but so far, the Gers captain has yet to miss a Premiership game.

While Tavernier is still capable of the occasional moment of magic from a set piece that few players in his position can produce, he is too often pulled apart by opposition winger, particularly in Old Firm matches or European nights.

If the fans, journalists and pundits can see this, Clement must also recognise it. Now the Belgian has to make a change to try and strengthen the Light Blues’ defence after the international break.

It’s not easy to drop the club captain, but time is running out for Tavernier at Ibrox.

In other Rangers news, David Edgar has made a new two-word demand after a behind-the-scenes exit at Ibrox

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