Rangers are trying to head in a new direction with player recruitment and Philippe Clement fully appreciates having to play with the cards he’s been dealt.
The five experienced players who left have been replaced by younger, promising players with more potential which has brought the age profile of the squad down as well as the wage bill.
The Ibrox faithful want to see a plan in terms of player trading and patience may be needed to allow the new signings to adapt.
Neraysho Kasanwirjo can force his way into Rangers team
One player who will be hoping to make an immediate impression is Neraysho Kasanwirjo.
Signed on deadline day, the 22-year old Dutch Under-21 international will bring competition all across the defence and will provide even more competition to James Tavernier.
Dujon Sterling was signed as a right back but has barely been seen there.
His physicality and ability to adapt has seen him play every where on the pitch apart from in goals and as the central striker.
It’s only a matter of time though.
After keeping Jadon Sancho anonymous at Murrayfield, it looked like Sterling was set to replace the captain at the start of this season only for injury to let Tavernier regain his place.
Tavernier has started the season slowly and he no longer has the luxury of being the only senior right back at the club.
Clement isn’t going to keep Kasanwirjo on the bench or keep playing Sterling out of position to accommodate him.
The Gers boss dropped Connor Goldson and he could do the same to Tavernier.
Philippe Clement gives Kasanwirjo selection hint
When Kasanwirjo arrived, Clement gave a hint as to what sort of role the promising defender might have at the club.
“We are thrilled to welcome Neraysho to the football club and we believe he will be a big asset to the team.
“He can play in a number of defensive positions and will be a good option for the squad with the domestic and European commitments we have this campaign.
“He is looking forward to starting the next chapter in his career and we are pleased Neraysho has decided to join Rangers.”
A “big asset” doesn’t sit on the bench.
Compare this to when Clinton Nsiala arrived at Rangers and the manager made it clear that the former AC Milan youngster was one for the future.
Kasanwirjo, or Nana, as he will be known at Auchenhowie, is one for the now and, along with Sterling, could soon be competing for the jersey that for too long has been the safest in the team.
