Philippe Clement unloads Rangers rage as Hertha Berlin clash offers feisty flashpoint and Raskin hope - 3 talking points
Philippe Clement and his troops took on Hertha Berlin in La Manga as part of their Spain training camp.
Rangers went down 1-0 to Hertha Berlin in La Manga as a set-piece goal proved the downfall for the Ibrox men.
Philippe Clement has been putting his troops through their paces during their week long camp in Spain and he admitted pre-match that he intended to use all his players for 45 minutes after an intense workload this week and he was true to his word after naming two different starting XI's for each half.
His first team got off to a bright start with Rabbi Matondo testing the opposition with his pace before getting an early shot on target, but it was easily gathered. Moments later Todd Cantwell's slack play in the middle of the park allowed the German outfit to spark a counter but Rangers got numbers back to clear the danger. John Lundstram then was denied by a smart block after a brilliant piece of build-up play. His shot was goal-bound but it was deflected away for a corner. Chances were few and far between as the half came to a close, but it was Hertha who grabbed the advantage as Marc-Oliver Kempf headed home to leave Robby McCrorie with no chance.
The second half arrived with a completely different team with Jack Butland called on very early to get down low to save a free-kick. The Light Blues looked for a way back in and had a chance through Scott Wright - but he rushed his effort when he had more time. Butland them came up trumps as he made an excellent one on one save after Connor Goldson was caught out. Cyriel Dessers then had a chance that was kept out while Jose Cifuentes tried his luck from range but fired high and wide in the search for a leveller.
It was a good work out for the Ibrox men with lots of minutes in the legs and a big chance for a host of academy kids. Clement will especially be happy to see Nicolas Raskin look good during his 45-minute stint as he steps up his return while Fabio Silva also got the same amount of game time as he continues to settle into his new surroundings. However, the Belgian boss was handed his marching orders from the referee during the encounter after claims he was fuming over a decision made by the ref after a challenge on Scott Wright. Here's three talking points Record Sport picked out from the friendly in Spain.
Chance to impress
Philippe Clement revealed pre-match he would ring the changes with all his players landing 45 minutes of action in La Manga. And he stuck to his word as he named to different starting XI's for the Hertha Berlin clash.
That allowed big opportunities for the likes of McCrorie, who has been second choice to the impressive Jack Butland for the whole campaign. A host of youngsters in the academy looking to make the break through like Ross McCausland also got a chance to show what they can do in an in-game scenario including Johnly Yfeko, Bailey Rice and Cole McKinnon.
The Belgian boss admitted the players are tired after a really hard-working camp in Spain as they continue to tick over before the big return. Copenhagen is next up at Ibrox on Tuesday night before focus turns to Dumbarton in the Scottish Cup.
Red mist
Clement was handed his marching orders during the friendly defeat. The Rangers was pictured in a moment involving himself and the whistler that ended in a red card for the Ibrox boss.
The man in the middle wasn't shy in issuing bookings during the game with a number of players also carded. A moment to forget in La Manga for the Light Blues gaffer.
Back in Nic of time
Raskin was handed the first 45 minutes and looked to get on the ball and dictate. A brief cameo return before the international break will be keen to kick-on.
An area of the park that has been short for Rangers at times with Dujon Sterling called in alongside John Lundstram at times this season. He came through his minutes unscathed and will be eyeing up further match action midweek against Copenhagen before the competitive return.