Clement details Rangers’ Champions League ambitions

The answer and the admission did not come as a surprise. Indeed, if Philippe Clement had sought to spin his way out of it then a support that have asked plenty of questions of those above him would have had a query about their manager to add to a lengthy list at Ibrox.

As it stands, few would back Rangers to challenge for the Premiership title, never mind win it. When the focus is shifted to the Champions League, the outlook becomes even bleaker. This is not a group that can be expected to qualify and compete. Clement knows it.

To coin a well-used phrase, Clement will keep believing. If that is all he can hang on to come the return to European action, Rangers will be staring at the Europa League rather than the riches of the premier competition in the club game. In football terms, that may be no bad thing. In financial terms, the need and the want to qualify speak for themselves.

Rangers can only speculate to accumulate so much. Progression through the third qualifying round and play-off would see big money banked and bolster their hand in the transfer market. The problem for Clement, though, is that the funds are required before a ball is kicked.

The Belgian has punched above his weight before. Yet a squad that has only had six new arrivals added to it this summer is short of strength and depth. Until that is addressed, Rangers cannot be expected to come out swinging on the continent.

“We need extra bodies and extra quality. To be successful,” Clement says when asked if the group that he put through their paces in Holland last week has what is required to achieve his ambitions in the Champions League. “I always believe that with your squad you can succeed.