Ibrox View: Clement will set Rangers up for defeat v Celtic if he starts this awful player today

Since taking over as manager of Rangers, Philippe Clement has had quite a torrid time.

The Belgian is yet to win over arch-rivals Celtic and will no doubt be looking for vengeance during their first Old Firm clash of the season.

Throughout the summer transfer window, the Gers have made a plethora of additions to their squad.

The likes of Brazilian starlet Jefte have been added to Clement’s ranks [Daily Record, 10 July] and have made their way straight into the first team.

Another example of this is Connor Barron. The midfielder was brought in from Aberdeen [Scottish Sun, 23 August] near the start of the window and has also staked his claim for a starting role.

However, despite his ability to offer cover in defence and his power to provide stability in the middle of the park, it feels as if the Glasgow-based outfit are missing out on their potential to finish consistently.

He can’t spray balls as well as the likes of James Tavernier or Tom Lawrence but Kieran Dowell can.

And, with the Gers wanting a result from their game against Celtic on 1 September, it would make sense for Clement to drop Barron for the fixture.

Kieran Dowell has exactly what Rangers need to win Celtic

In their opening game of the season, the Gers failed to make many chances against Hearts.

This resulted in the club missing out on getting all three points from the tie and already put them on the back foot against arch-rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.

Dowell is a consistent member of Clement’s squad and could help provide more attacking opportunities for the likes of Cyriel Dessers.

Rangers fans know how clinical Dessers can be if he’s given good enough chances from his teammates.

His physical presence alongside his keen eye for goal and Dowell’s ability to pick out a pass could be exactly what the Gers need to triumph over Celtic on 1 September.

So, despite Dowell not naturally being a central midfielder, he has played in that role 21 times throughout his career. This makes it feel like it could be worth the risk to play him over Barron against their arch-rivals.

In other Rangers news, Nico Raskin has reacted as another Gers exit has been announced.

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The post Ibrox View: Clement will set Rangers up for defeat v Celtic if he starts this awful player today appeared first on Ibrox News.