Rangers manager Philippe Clement is just in the door at Ibrox but he’s already made a big John Souttar v Ben Davies call at the club.
Whilst the Belgian manager is clear that everyone will have to contribute over the season, it’s Scotland international John Souttar who was preferred to Ben Davies in the 4-0 win over Hibs.
Philippe Clement opted to start Ben Davies on the bench for his first match as Rangers manager and it’s a decision which bore immediate fruit for the side.
Whilst John Souttar had been prone to an error or two in recent matches, the imposing centre-back impressed with his aggressive ball play and progressive passing.
The centre-back might’ve even added an assist to an all-round solid display too, his whipped ball into the box narrowly missing the outstretched boot of Nicolas Raskin.
Philippe Clement makes John Souttar Ben Davies Rangers call
It was something of a return to form for John Souttar who has had an up-and-down season so far for Rangers but the Philippe Clement call also sends a message to Ben Davies.
More than one year on from a reported £3m rising to £4m move from Liverpool the jury remains out on the 28-year-old ex-Preston captain.
Returning to the side to shine against Real Betis earlier in the season, it was a rare glimpse from a player who has offered little and failed to bolster the defensive fragility of this Rangers team.
Ben Davies might even have left Rangers in the summer amid loan interest from Stoke City, but the defender was reportedly determined to fight for his place.
Philippe Clement might be planning on recalling Ben Davies later down the line but in starting John Souttar beside Connor Goldson it gives an inclination into his thinking in the position.
It also keeps both stoppers firmly on their toes with the shirt now the Scotland international’s to lose heading into a crucial run of fixtures.
