Philippe Clement in blunt Rangers response to John Lundstram return question as he answers injury query

Philippe Clement says he won’t be swayed on fan opinion as Rangers prepare for a Scottish Cup final with Celtic.

The Light Blues head into this weekend’s clash with their rivals – who won the Premiership last weekend – looking to do a cup double. His side have been hit with injuries ahead of the game but one player who could return is midfielder John Lundstram.

He was sent off in the last Old Firm clash – scoring an own goal as Rangers lost 2-1 and his two-game ban for a foul on Alistair Johnston. Speaking ahead of the Hampden clash, Clement said some fans perhaps not welcoming his return won’t come into his thinkin

So I don’t think I need to answer that question if I need to start him or not. It’s a decision I’ll make with my staff about what I see in training and what I’ve seen in games the last few months.”

Clement also provided a coy injury update: “I don’t want to say too much about the squad. This is the final game, a decisive game so maybe we need to take some risks with players that normally we don’t do because there is a season coming after.

I don’t want to get too much into which player is ready or not, or can start or not. I did it all season, every three days with you guys, this one I don’t want to speak too much about that. It’s now about this one moment. To give everything from the whole squad from everyone who is available.

“I think a few guys even want to come on the pitch with crutches – I cannot allow that of course. We are going to go hard with the team with every energy that is available in the building.”