Philippe Clement has demanded more from Dujon Sterling after the defender signed a new contract at Rangers.
The Gers announced a new deal for the versatile Chelsea academy right-back who has impressed since moving to Ibrox last summer.
Extending his contract by another year, Dujon Sterling is now contracted to Rangers until the summer of 2028.
But speaking to the press ahead of the Europa League clash with Lyon, Rangers manager Clement has urged Sterling to get back to full-fitness this campaign.
Philippe Clement wants more from Dujon Sterling
Philippe Clement had previously claimed he was ‘delighted’ to get a deal for Dujon Sterling over the line at Rangers.
But the Ibrox manager has been speaking in greater detail about the contract as the Belgian faced the media.
Claiming that he wants to see more from Dujon in terms of his fitness, Clement insists that Sterling will be a big part of the ‘future’ at Ibrox.
“That Dujon showed several good things last season, this season,” said Clement. “For me last season more than this season.
“He’s struggled a bit with his fitness so we need to get him better in that way.
“But he deserves his new contract.
“We believe a lot in his qualities for the future and he showed it also in different positions, that he is ready to fight for the club, for the squad.
“So it’s important to have those kind of players in the club for the future.”
Rangers manager knows ex-Chelsea kid’s best position
Another hot topic of debate around Dujon Sterling concerns the right-back’s best position on the pitch.
With James Tavernier coming under heavy criticism this season, Sterling is waiting in the wings for an opportunity in his more natural right-back berth.
But this is actually the position Sterling has played least since moving to Rangers from Chelsea last summer.
Used most widely in central midfield, Dujon has also played at left-back, centre-back and on both flanks.
Philippe Clement knows it is important to nail down a more regular position for Dujon and insists he has a more consistent role in mind for Sterling going forward.
“Of course (it’s important that Dujon settles into one position) but you need to show then that you can play ten games in a row in that position,” said Clement.
“And then you can compete. He can compete in a lot of positions with a lot of players but you need to show consistency.
“That’s what we’re going to work on with him in the next couple of months to make him that kind of player.
“Then he can compete in different positions but then the idea is to do it in one.
“I have an idea for the future (where Sterling will play) but it’s too early to say.”
Dujon Sterling has made 46 appearances for Rangers in total, scoring one goal for the club in the 2-2 draw away to Benfica last season.
