Philippe Clement didn’t give anything away when quizzed on Ross McCausland following Rangers’ famous Europa League victory over Real Betis.
The young Northern Irish winger started the eventual 3-2 victory over the La Liga side and put in a tireless display on a challenging night in Spain.
As Rangers went on to overcome Real Betis and earn safe passage to the Europa League knockouts, Ross McCausland was subbed for Rabbi Matondo in the 65th minute.
With Philippe Clement giving a word in the ear of the 20-year-old talent – who has just signed a new long-term deal at Rangers – come full time one journalist probed the Rangers manager on what was said.
Philippe Clement on Ross McCausland
Rangers boss Philippe Clement has been forthcoming if not forthright in his press conferences to date but the Ibrox gaffer refused to give anything away with regards Ross McCausland.
Claiming that the exchange would remain private, the Rangers manager was mysteriously coy about whatever it was he whispered in the Ibrox talent’s ear in an initial four word response to the press.
“I cannot say everything,” said Clement after the match. “I know I am a coach who says a lot to the press but I cannot give every detail.”
Ross McCausland broke through into the Rangers side under interim manager Steven Davis earlier in the campaign and the youngster has retained his place under Philippe Clement.
Now considered a genuine squad option at Ibrox, it’s clear the Rangers boss wants to protect the spritely winger who once again showed endeavour and quality against top opposition.
Rangers boss hails Europa League hero
Ross McCausland isn’t the only player Rangers boss Philippe Clement has been talking about after the Europa League victory over Real Betis either.
The Gers manager was also asked about a resurgent Cyriel Dessers who scored a stunning goal to fire the Ibrox side 2-1 in front in the first half.
Feigning one way and then the next, the Belgian-born Nigerian international finished through the legs of Real Betis goalkeeper Rui Silva and Clement praised the forward’s impact at full-time.
“Cyriel was one of the guys on the plane that I spoke with, with the videos to improve things,” said Clement. “And you see he’s really working hard to do the things how we want it, how we want the striker to play.
“He’s stepped into the story. He’s working hard for the team and then you get the chances to score, and then you get the confidence of your teammates and of your coach. So I’m really pleased about him.”
Here are all the details as Rangers progress to the Europa League last-16, the historic win against Real Betis the Ibrox club’s first ever victory over a Spanish club in Spain.
