Philippe Clement has explained his decision to leave January signing Rafael Fernandes and crocked winger Oscar Cortes out of Rangers’ Europa League squad for the knockout stages.
Portuguese defender Fernandes joined the club on loan from Lille last month to give Clement some much needed cover in defensive amid the club’s mounting injury crisis and made his debut as a late substitute in last weekend’s 4-0 victory against Ross County. But Fernandes and long-term absentee Cortes have not made the cut, with Danilo, Clinton Nsiala and a rejuvenated Ianis Hagi all making the squad for the remainder of the competition.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Scottish Cup clash against Queen’s Park, Clement said: “It is difficult to only make three changes to the European squad. Danilo is back in and he will be training again very soon. Ianis Hagi and Clinton Nsiala are also in now too. Rafa Fernandes understood why he wasn’t in the European squad and he still has a lot of games to play in the league and the cup – he still has time to grow and develop as he is a young player.”
Colombian wide man Cortes has been restricted to just eight appearances in all competitions for the Light Blues this season and the Belgian admits he is still weeks away from a return to training. He added: “There have been different injuries with Cortes throughout this time so I hope for him that he won’t have as many problems going forward – it has mostly been bad luck. He will still be a few weeks away from training.”
Rangers were unable to add to their squad on deadline day but have sealed a deal to bring Dundee star Lyall Cameron to Ibrox next summer, and Clement was delighted to tie down the Scotland U21 international: “I am very happy that Lyall Cameron is coming, albeit next season”, he stated. “It is part of our plans to develop young Scottish players with potential – he has the right mentality and really wants to join the club.
“Lyall Cameron understands what is required at Rangers and he knows what the club is about – that is the kind of character we are looking for and those who have the right mentality. We hope that Lyall Cameron continues to perform well at Dundee before he joins the club as this shows the mentality of the player. He will give his best for the remainder of the season and to continue developing as a good player.”