Not many Rangers players emerged with any credit against Celtic at the weekend despite Philippe Clement picking what was widely accepted as the correct line up.
There are still gaps in the squad despite a busy transfer window for the manager who will be counting the days until the next one opens to continue the rebuild that has been as frustration as the delays of getting back to Ibrox.
What he will also be hoping for, is that the young and talented players he has signed can show their potential sooner, rather than later, with Hamza Igamane in particular being one who could help solve what has been a consistent problem for the last few seasons.
Rangers will hope Hamza Igamane can help misfiring forwards
Clement was frustrated at the difference between the two sides; similar possession statistics, total shots and shots on target, but only one team made theirs count.
The Gers boss has seen enough to keep believing that success is just around the corner:
“It is scoring goals, it is quality. One week ago we scored six, today not. It is about working on that, doing that a lot of times and getting confidence out of that.
“I think the confidence before the game was there. If you look back at the first ten minutes and the way we played, we were good on the ball, we were brave on the ball, it was not kick and rush and hoping for something.
“It was good football there, creating good chances. Even in the first minute the header of Robin (Propper), if he just touches the ball in front of goal we have three players there on the second post.
“But you need to finish it off, otherwise you don’t have anything to tell after a 3-0.”
It is the same players missing the same chances at key moments.
As Rangers fans saw with Alfredo Morelos, this only builds scar tissue and a lack of confidence when it is needed most.
Igamane impresses as Rangers debut goes under the radar
After weeks of speculation, Hamza Igamane finally made his Rangers debut and didn’t disappoint, it’s just a shame that those around him did.
Speaking a week before the Old Firm, Clement backed the Moroccan to catch the eye when the 21-year old forward is up to full speed:
“It can be possible. But he needs some time to grow.
“But everybody here in the team, they see the small spaces a lot of good things. Now to show it on a bigger space. Because he plays on a big space.
“I’m confident he’s going to make an impact on this season also. With his scoring capacities. Is it as a striker or as a winger? It can be in both positions.”
Well, he did show it on the bigger space of Parkhead.
His first touch of the ball saw him tackle one Celtic player before beating another to start a Rangers attack.
Then the £1.7m signing had the confidence to strike a first time volley with the ball dropping out of the clouds, not only that, but it was goal bound if a Celtic defender hadn’t made a last ditch block.
The confidence, technique and power in that one demonstration showed why he can one day make a difference, whilst those that have failed so frequently in the past can watch from the sidelines.
