CLEMENT: NO.1 STILL ALRIGHT JACK AT GERS
PHILIPPE CLEMENT insists there’s no way Jack Butland will let a snub from England ruin his chances of getting hands of further prizes with Rangers.
The Ibrox No.1 suffered double disappointment on Thursday as news that he’d failed to win a slot in Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad was followed by Gers’ Europa League exit to Benfica.
But Butland doesn’t have time to sulk, with the Light Blues back in action tomorrow as the Premiership pacesetters head to Dundee.
Clement could not be happier with the form of his keeper, who has been key to the club’s recent resurgence.
And the big Belgian expects the shot-stopper will get back down to business as he looks to follow up December’s Viaplay Cup triumph with a league crown and victory in the Scottish Cup.
Clement said: “I don’t like this talk about ‘him, him, him’. It is about ‘us’ and everybody together.
“Jack is not busy with himself, he is busy with the team and is helping the team with his experience.
“That is our strength and what we will show in the next couple of weeks.”
Asked if he was surprised to see the 31-year-old miss out on a recall after a magnificent season between the sticks for Rangers, Clement said: “I’ve said from the beginning I will never interfere with what another manager needs to do with his selection because you don’t know all the details.
“Jack was ready to be there, so that proves that in England they have a lot of really good keepers if he’s not there.
“I spoke with Jack shortly on Thursday afternoon but it was not really necessary because he was focused on the game.
“Those are the things you deal with in life but he continues working hard for
Rangers. Then other things can come. You create the possibility.”
Gers were dreaming of a repeat run to the latter stages of a competition they came close to winning in Seville two years ago.
But it was the Eagles who soared into the last eight thanks to Rafa Silva’s second-half winner.
The defeat was a rare blow for a Light Blues line-up who have performed impressively at home and abroad since Clement’s arrival.
And the boss has vowed to pick his squad up quickly. He said: “As a player, it is difficult.
“The older you become, the more incredible and nice moments you have but the more disappointments you have also and disappointing moments. “You learn out of that.” Clement’s plans were hamstrung as a raft of injuries robbed him of options out wide.
But he’s hoping to see the likes of Abdallah Sima and Ross McCausland return soon.
“Abda is in the same way that was diagnosed before,” he said. “He feels really good, step by step.
“He is progressing really well. Dujon Sterling is going to be a really doubtful for Dundee.
“McCausland also still struggled but was on the bench on Thursday as you need to think of the possibility of extra time.”
Meanwhile, Clement has been handed his second successive Premiership manager of the month award after scooping February’s prize.