A beaming Philippe Clement told Kris Boyd everything he needed to know after Rangers’ stuffy Sunday win in Perth.
A rare win on the road was secured against St Johnstone thanks to a Jason Holt own goal, forced by pressure from returning skipper James Tavernier. It wasn’t pretty, but the job was done to ensure Celtic didn’t extend their 11 point lead at the top of the Premiership this weekend. It was maybe underwhelming for those of a blue persuasion following the high of Nice on Thursday night.
Boyd certainly wasn’t entertained, but was keen to change the record and swerve the post-match slaughterings he’s dished on previously this term. The former Ibrox poacher was keen to stress that the result couldn’t be quibbled with. But watching his former club didn’t make for enjoyable lunchtime viewing and the outcome should have been the only thing Clement is satisfied with.
Boyd told Sky Sports: “He’ll be happy he got three points but the performance, if he’s happy with that, then … oh, wow.” Timing is everything though and the camera immediately cut to a beaming Clement celebrating with the players on the park at full-time, doling out the congratulations.
Boyd wasn’t up for another moan, but couldn’t pretend Rangers have turned on the style. He added: “Listen, it’s a tough watch Rangers right now but we can’t moan all the time, or if they win a game of football still moan. They got the three points and that’s the most important thing. But it is a tough watch.