Rangers could turn back the clock to see Clinton Nsiala become like Ibrox cult hero

Philippe Clement is used to having to think outside the box since taking over in the Rangers hot seat and it doesn’t look like things are about to change.

The manager had 10 players missing from the squad that travelled to face Dundee Utd, although the refreshing sight of academy players getting minutes is one that fans could get used to.

Injuries may have given Clinton Nsiala his break for Rangers, but his latest positive display should see him considered for more than just his current position of centre-half.

How Clinton Nsiala could be Rangers’ Sasa Papac

Walter Smith was a master of using centre-halves as full-backs in certain games, especially in domestic games against physical opposition.

For example, if numbers had permitted, moving Jefte up to left wing and Nsiala to left back would have added some much needed height to the defence without losing creativity.

With a small midfield and forward line, Rangers will continue to struggle against direct teams like Dundee Utd until new additions are made.

Nsiala has shown that he is not only a good crosser of the ball, but he is an incisive passer and confident in possession.

Add this to his improving duel success rate and aerial ability and Rangers could well have a throwback to the days of Sasa Papac.

Robbie Fraser has been sent out on loan and Ridvan Yilmaz has picked up a knock, with Rafael Fernandes signed for the middle, could Nsiala be used to give Jefte a rest?

“I hope he’s back on Thursday. It’s going to be limit, limit, but I don’t have any doubts about that,” Clement said about Ridvan returning

“That’s also one of the reasons that we let Robbie Fraser go out on loan, to give him game time, because with Jefte and Ridvan we had two good players in front of him and Robbie deserved also the minutes now in evolution.