Philippe Clement has always insisted that the heads of out-of-contract Rangers pair Borna Barisic and John Lundstram are in the right place.
In fact, the Belgian manager has never been shy in insisting that both have an unwavering commitment to the cause at Ibrox despite their contracts ticking down in the background of the club.
Amid a devastating run of injury problems, there was a feeling that there was more than a hint of necessity to Big Phil’s claims.
After all, given the fact Rangers were so short at left-back and in the middle of the pitch, both Borna Barisic and John Lundstram would likely have to play.
And play they have.
But as bones continue to be picked apart following Rangers’ Celtic Park collapse, comments from the Ibrox manager about contract discussions may raise a few eyebrows.
Not least because both Borna Barisic and John Lundstram have been heavily linked with the Ibrox exit door.
Clement: Rangers contract discussions a distraction
Speaking ahead of the clash with Dundee at Ibrox, Philippe Clement has had plenty to say about the state of the club’s squad.
Touching on both the injuries in the Ibrox team and the impending ‘rebuild’ on the horizon this summer, there was more than a tinge of frustration in the Rangers boss’ comments.
But when asked about contract negotiations surrounding his out of contract stars, Clement claimed talking about the future at this crucial juncture is simply an unwelcome distraction.
“I said it last week, we’re going to make final decisions after these two weeks,” said Clement.
“Because it’s too crucial to be busy with all those things, making negotiations with players, for them.
“Because it’s now about one thing. It’s about the club and getting the results and players who are busy with other things and talking about contracts and everything they cannot have the focus on the result now.
“It’s also a chance to take for them to show that they want to stay here.”
Barisic & Lundstram discussing terms elsewhere?
Now consider these comments against the backdrop of transfer reports surrounding both Borna Barisic and John Lundstram.
Both players have been heavily linked to Turkish club Trabzonspor and, with the club’s president claiming agreements have been reached with unnamed players, the sounds have only got louder.
In fact, reputable voices in Turkey believe that Trabzonspor moves for both players have already been secured.
So going by Philippe Clement’s own logic, so long as Borna Barisic and John Lundstram are engaged in exit negotiations behind the scenes, they are not fully focused on delivering for Rangers.
Whilst we’ll give Barisic his due for setting up Cyriel Dessers at Celtic Park, John Lundstram put in an abominable performance in the most important game of the season to date.
Getting the midfield run around, scoring an own goal and being sent off in the first half, it was a drastic performance and some fans never want to see the midfielder play for the club again.
If he’s already signed a deal to join Trabzonspor, going by Clement’s own logic then he probably shouldn’t have been on the park against Celtic either!
