Rangers manager Philippe Clement appears to disagree with Michael Beale on the status of teenage midfielder Bailey Rice.
With injuries in the Rangers midfield continuing to mount, the Belgian manager has shied away from using the 17-year-old who was given first-team exposure under Michael Beale.
Joining Rangers from the Motherwell Academy in 2022, Bailey Rice is considered one of the brightest youth prospects in the Scottish game.
But speaking about the player’s situation, it’s clear Philippe Clement and Michael Beale are on different pages with Bailey Rice’s current status, even if both believe the kid will be a top player for the club.
Philippe Clement talks Bailey Rice
Speaking ahead of the clash with St Johnstone, Rangers manager Philippe Clement provided an update on the situation with Bailey Rice.
The Scotland youth international midfielder is yet to be involved under the Belgian and despite injuries to Jose Cifuentes and Ryan Jack in recent weeks, Rice continues to be sidelined.
Claiming that the super talented youngster still has plenty to work on without the ball, it’s clear Big Phil is biding his time before introducing Rice into the Rangers team.
“I don’t like to speak too much about individuals but OK I will speak about Bailey (Rice) because he knows,” said Philippe Clement.
“He’s for me a really talented player and I think he has a great future in this club but there are also some points we need to work on which are different Academy football and the first team, for sure without ball.
“So that’s a really important step to make and he’s going to make that step. If he makes that step then he’s going to be pushing for positions in the first team.”
Ex-Rangers manager Michael Beale disagreed
Those comments from Philippe Clement are in stark contrast to suggestions from Michael Beale that Bailey Rice was “ready” for the Rangers first-team.
Speaking back in September, now Sunderland manager Beale also branded the kid a “heck of a player” in glowing comments.
“I’m telling you that we have a heck of a player in Bailey Rice,” said Beale.
“He’s not 17 until the end of next month but when I introduce him to this madhouse and protecting him is important. But I’m telling you, he’s ready.”
Linked to the likes of Manchester City and Newcastle United earlier in his career, as well as Everton and Aston Villa more recently, it’s clear Bailey Rice has a bright future at Ibrox.
But the club’s last two managers appear to disagree on his current readiness for first-team exposure with the midfielder failing to add to his three Premiership appearances this season under the Belgian.
