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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Celtic not Rangers' 'biggest challenge', claims Philippe Clement

Philippe Clement claims the task of facing Celtic in tomorrow's Old Firm derby is not the biggest challenge of his Rangers career to date.

The Belgian took over the reins from Michael Beale in early October and has gone unbeaten as manager since. 

That included a famous victory over Real Betis in the Europa League earlier this month, which saw the Light Blues progress into the last 16 of the competition when they could well have been down and out.

For Clement, while he is sure Celtic will pose a huge threat come Saturday lunchtime, that game in Seville was the hardest game of his tenure so far.

"I don't think it's the biggest," he told Rangers TV. "With all the respect for Celtic, our away game in Betis was a bigger challenge. 

"This was a team that hadn't lost all season in a home game. They didn't lose against Real Madrid or Atletico, some really big teams. 

"It's going to be a big challenge. It's a pity there cannot be any Rangers fans, but we know a lot of people will support us outside and will be in our hearts also."

Meanwhile, Rangers will make a move for Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland despite the arrival of Fabio Silva on loan from Wolves.

That's what former Ibrox skipper Barry Ferguson suspects at least.

Hearts talisman Shankland is a player in demand after firing himself to the top of the Premiership scoring charts this season with 11 goals.

It's believed there is interest from the English Championship as well as the Saudi Pro League in the Scotland international.

The Jambos - who sit third in the table currently - are preparing to offer the frontman a new deal as he enters the final 18 months of his contract.

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