Rangers manager Philippe Clement has praised Premier League target Abdallah Sima after yet another goal against Hearts.
Heading into the Scottish Premiership clash at Tynecastle, the Rangers manager made headlines by suggesting the Ibrox club are interested in making the Brighton loanee’s temporary switch permanent.
And Abdallah Sima showed exactly why with the only goal in a 1-0 win in Edinburgh, the Senegalese forward latching on to a stunning James Tavernier through ball.
The striker’s 12th goal of the season – and his third in two games following a decisive weekend double against St Mirren – Philippe Clement has been glowing in a post-match appraisal.
Philippe Clement: Abdallah Sima an “important player”
The Rangers boss knows that the club have a real talent on their hands in the shape of the Brighton loanee.
In another game where Abdallah Sima’s goals were vital for Rangers, Philippe Clement claims the star forward is just getting “better and better”.
It’s a big part of the reason why the Belgian manager appears so keen to strike a deal to sign the striker before the end of his loan contract.
“(Abdallah Sima) is growing,” Philippe Clement told Sky Sports after the match. “He is getting better and better.
“The other players also understand better how to use his strengths and he is a very important player for us.”
Brighton loanee carrying Rangers frontline
The return to form for Abdallah Sima comes at a crucial time for the Ibrox side after a baron run of eight games without a goal.
Having just enjoyed the birth of his baby daughter, Philippe Clement has previously suggested the new addition has had an impact on the 22-year-old.
The comments also explain the Rangers star’s celebrations against St Mirren.
At as time when Rangers’ stuttering forward line is struggling to justify their hefty price tags – Sam Lammers, Cyriel Dessers and Danilo all under the microscope – it’s the young Brighton loanee who is doing the business for the team.
Brighton paid a reported £7m to sign the attacker from Slavia Prague back in 2021 and whilst he’s yet to play for the club, the shrewd Premier League operators will be expecting a return.
Rangers also boast no option-to-buy so the club might either need to stump up or just enjoy the Senegalese whilst he’s at Ibrox.
