'Non-negotiable' - Michael Stewart cannot believe what Clement did at Rangers

Michael Stewart has blasted Philippe Clement for his team selection in the 2-2 draw between Motherwell and Rangers on Sunday.

The Belgian tactician decided to leave Vaclav Cerny and Hamza Igamane on the bench as the Light Blues dropped two more points in the title race at Fir Park on 29 December.

Clement later cited feedback from sports scientists as the reason for those calls, but Stewart cannot believe he actually acted on it despite being under “massive” pressure at Ibrox.

“I cannot for the life of me understand the thinking behind Clement’s decision to rest some of the better players, the more influential players in the team especially off the back of the St. Mirren game when they are under massive pressure”, he said on Premier Sports’ The Scottish Football Social Club (30 December).

“Yes, you’ve got this game coming up against Celtic on Thursday. I know hindsight, 20/20 vision and all that stuff, but these things seem so non-negotiable.

“You put your strongest team out when you’re under pressure.”

Philippe Clement digs his own grave at Rangers

The Light Blues had reduced the gap with Celtic to nine points before Christmas. They could have moved within at least six points of Brendan Rodgers’ side had they won their three games since Boxing Day.

However, strange squad selection decisions saw Rangers lose 2-1 against St. Mirren last Thursday (26 December) before dropping two more points at Fir Park.

Clement’s side now find themselves 14 points behind the Hoops, who can extend the gap to 17 points with another victory at Ibrox on Thursday, 2 January.

The Belgian has, therefore, shot down any hopes of staging a comeback in the Scottish Premiership title race.

A loss or even a draw in the Old Firm derby could now prove to be the final nail in the coffin for the former Monaco boss in Govan.

Keith Jackson believes new CEO Patrick Stewart would have already considered sacking the 50-year-old before the game against Celtic [Daily Record’s Hotline Live, 29 December].

In other Rangers news, a shock exit is now on the cards at Ibrox ahead of the January transfer window.

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