Straight-talking Philippe Clement reckons Rangers deputy Dujon Sterling outshined even Celtic captain Callum McGregor in Old Firm defeat.
In comments which are in direct contrast to that of Parkhead manager Brendan Rodgers, Clement has heaped praise on his versatile star.
The Celtic boss had claimed his captain was on a “different level” to every other player on the pitch despite McGregor being given plenty of yellow card leeway by whistler Nick Walsh.
Dujon Sterling has been expected to step up amid a devastating run of midfield injuries which saw Nicolas Raskin and Ryan Jack miss the game at Celtic Park for Rangers.
Philippe Clement heaps praise on Dujon Sterling
Stepping up and being counted despite ordinarily being a right-back, Dujon Sterling displayed exactly the kind of attitude Philippe Clement wants to see in his Rangers team.
In glowing comments, the Rangers boss claims Sterling outshone Celtic Man of the Match Callum McGregor and Inter Milan-linked midfielder Matt O’Riley in Glasgow’s eastend.
“I think (Dujon Sterling) played a really good game today,” said Philippe Clement after the 2-1 defeat at Celtic Park.
“And he was maybe even the best midfielder on the pitch today so I am happy with him.
“He’s a good example of what I want; players who are available for the team in whatever position and not only focused on ‘this is my position and I can only play there’.
“No if you really have the good mindset then players with quality can play in a lot of positions and he’s doing that for the team.
“So it’s been a really important thing the last couple of weeks with these other circumstances with all these injuries.”
Philippe Clement was certainly effusive in his praise of Dujon Sterling but it’s not without good reason as the Rangers utility man continues to back up an injury-ravaged squad.
Rangers beat off competition from the likes of Stoke City and Chelsea – the club at which Sterling came through in football – to sign the player this summer.
There are definite similarities to Calvin Bassey there, but given the Chelsea interest in the right-back, it suggests the 24-year-old has an even higher ceiling.
Rangers manager takes no nonsense after Celtic trip
Philippe Clement meanwhile has been taking no prisoners and has not allowed himself to be taken for a fool in the aftermath of the Old Firm defeat.
In a post-match interview, the Ibrox boss wouldn’t allow one cocky BBC Scotland reporter to stir the pot by asking if his side were “beaten by the better team” at Celtic Park.
The Rangers boss also bit back and refused to accept suggestions that Abdallah Sima being offside was a justification for how the refereeing team handled a controversial handball VAR penalty call.
Now, the Rangers manager has spoken his mind with regards the midfield battle at Celtic Park and we’re sure it won’t be for the last time this season.
It’s clear Clement isn’t going to be messed with by the usual suspects in Scottish football and the wily Belgian is only just getting started at Rangers.
The Rangers boss is also tasked with making both Brendan Rodgers and Callum McGregor eat their arrogant words come the end of the season.
