Philippe Clement admits he’s about to offer Dujon Sterling the chance to prove why he was right to turn down Chelsea for a move to Rangers.
The versatile full-back – whose direct competition is high-flying Ibrox captain James Tavernier – has found chances limited since his Rangers switch in the summer.
A mixture of injury and competition has seen Dujon Sterling, who came through the Academy at Stamford Bridge, limited to only two starts since moving to Glasgow.
Now, with Rangers going through an injury crisis across several areas of the squad, and Sterling impressing in recent matches, opportunity could be about to knock.
Philippe Clement on Dujon Sterling
Don’t just take our word for it either; Rangers manager Philippe Clement singled Dujon Sterling out for special praise after the victory Dundee.
Claiming the versatile defender has been impressing in training, the Belgian manager suggested more minutes lie on the horizon for the ex-Stoke City loanee.
“That (Sterling) played a really good game in a position that he never plays,” Philippe Clement said. “But I see what I see in training, he is working hard.
“He wants to take minutes in whatever position and he’s been important in Hearts to play as left full-back, now in the midfield (against Dundee), he can play right full-back and he can for me also play as a winger.
“So if he keeps on pushing like that he will get more minutes in the next couple of weeks, that’s clear because he deserves it.”
Ex-Chelsea man can become Rangers hero
After the Gers were reduced to 10-men following the sending off of Ecuadorean international Jose Cifuentes, the Belgian manager shuffled the pack at half-time.
On came Dujon Sterling and Ross McCausland for Todd Cantwell and Rabbi Matondo, with the club looking to absorb pressure, break up attacks and spring Dundee in transition.
Sterling, who looks fitter and more assured by the game, was central to that second half showing and he builds on impressive display away to Hearts.
Coming into Rangers amid solid competition – Dujon Sterling reportedly turned down contract offers from Chelsea and Stoke in May to move to Glasgow – now could be his chance to prove his decision correct.
With a crunch Europa League clash in Real Betis’s “fortress” to come in midweek, Rangers are also set to face Aberdeen in the ViaPlay Cup Final this weekend.
Philippe Clement has urged his charges to fill in and leave it all on the park for the club.
In a season of big weeks this is amongst the biggest and more than just prove himself right regarding the switch to Rangers, the stage is set for Dujon to make himself a hero to the Ibrox fans.
