Rangers dodge bullet after what happened in last 24 hours - Keith Jackson

Rangers have “dodged a bullet” after drawing Motherwell in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final instead of Celtic, according to Keith Jackson.

The Gers beat Dundee 3-0 in the quarter-final on Saturday 21 September, with a brace from Cyriel Dessers and James Tavernier’s penalty securing the victory in their first game back at Ibrox.

Philippe Clement’s side are now set to face the Steelmen, with the potential of facing their Old Firm rivals in the final, who are up against Aberdeen on the opposite side of the draw.

Writing via the Daily Record on Monday (23 September), Jackson said: “And right now the very idea of another Old Firm showdown is an ordeal they could do without at a time when Philippe Clement and his players are struggling to discover their own identity.

“So they dodged a bullet in the draw which pairs them with Motherwell instead – and buys some much-needed room to grow as well as a bit of breathing space for the time being.”

Rangers dodge bullet after new developments at Ibrox

Clement has the chance to lift his second piece of silverware since being appointed in October, having been crowned champions of the League Cup against Aberdeen last season.

This would be a huge statement from the Belgian, one that suggests he is not ready to throw the towel in despite plenty of criticism surrounding his lead role at the club.

The Gers are already five points behind the Hoops in the Scottish Premiership table, taking 10 points from a possible 15 so far.

While another cup would do little to alleviate the growing pressures over Clement’s tenure at Ibrox, it would help the Gers kick on their season and push for the Scottish Premiership title.

However, to do that, they will likely have to beat their Old Firm rivals at some point in the season, especially with them in the opposite semi-final of the cup.

Clement has not been able to get the better of Brenden Rodgers as of yet, which has added to much of the frustration, so he is expected to be given another chance to prove himself against the Hoops.

In other Rangers news, Gabby Agbonlahor instantly agreed with what Ally McCoist said about the Gers’ transfers.

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