Rafael Fernandes was introduced to Ibrox as Rangers ran out 5-0 Scottish Cup winners over Fraserburgh.
But Philippe Clement has suggested Rangers will be taking their time introducing Rafael Fernandes to first-team action in Glasgow.
Rangers have sanctioned a six-month loan deal for the Lille defender and will run the rule over the 22-year-old between now and the end of the season.
Speaking before the thumping Scottish Cup win over Fraserburgh, Philippe Clement explained why Rafael Fernandes was not included in the matchday squad.
Rafael Fernandes ‘not ready’ for Rangers first-team
Philippe Clement admits that Rafael Fernandes is not yet ready to play for Rangers despite joining the club’s injury-ravaged backline.
Clement admits the Gers have felt the loss of John Souttar in particular, with James Tavernier, Neraysho Kasanwirjo, Leon Balogun and Dujon Sterling also suffering with injury issues in recent weeks.
Speaking to RangersTV about the centre-back’s situation, Clement suggested the club will be taking their time getting Fernandes up to speed.
”I’m very happy,” Clement told RangersTV when asked about the addition of Rafael Fernandes. “We believe in his potential.
”He’s not somebody who will be directly ready. He played almost nothing in the last year.
”But the scouting team saw him play the year before in Portugal. I saw also several games of that.
”He’s showing several attributes. He’s fast, he can do good passing, he’s powerful, he’s young and athletic.
”We get good information in Lille also with players who were training with him.”
Rangers manager looking to ‘the future’ with defender
The Philippe Clement comments come with Rafael Fernandes not making a single appearance for the Lille first-team this season.
In fact since moving to France from Portuguese club Arouca last season, Fernandes has played only B team games for Ligue 1 outfit.
Despite this, the Rangers manager reckons Rafael Fernandes can be a top player for the Ibrox side in the seasons to come.
The comments very much suggest the next six months are about assessing Fernandes’ credentials with a view to the future, rather than the defender making an impact right now.
”I think in the circumstances where we had to look for players I think it will be a good signing,” Clement said.
”That we can have him now six months on loan and we can test him, we can see him, how he is as a person, if he will be ready for Rangers for the future.
”We believe in his potential and now we have six months to look at that and if we all agree that he has the potential then we have the buying option.”
