Rangers manager Philippe Clement has refused to be drawn on whether his team are involved in a title race.

Celtic’s 0-0 draw against Hibernian at the weekend means the gap between the two Old Firm rivals has closed to 5 points but, when pressed on whether the Gers are contenders, Clement said his team would take it one match at a time:

“We’re focused on ourselves. Game by game, I don’t want anyone in this building thinking what can be at the end of the road.”

“I want everyone’s focus on the road to stay on the road and to make this road stronger and stronger that we can compete in every competition. That’s the only focus this club and this team needs at the moment.”

Those are very sensible words from Clement, considering the team had to grab a win from the jaws of defeat against Hearts at the weekend.

Clement has work to do to turn Rangers’ fortunes around

While the Belgian got off to a very positive start against Hibernian, the performances against Sparta Prague and Hearts gave him a better understanding of what he is up against.

There have been plenty of players who have underperformed this season, and Clement also needs to find ways of getting the best out of the club’s summer signings.

Injuries are not helping the manager’s cause

Nicolas Raskin is the latest player to be injured, having to be stretchered off at the weekend after injuring his ankle. The 22-year-old is just one of 8 players on the sidelines.

John Souttar has a muscular injury, while Kemar Roofe (fitness), Dujon Sterling (knock), Rabbi Matondo (knee), Borna Barisic (thigh) and Steven Davis (ACL) are also unavailable. Tom Lawrence (calf) is closing in on a return to action but the match against Dundee has come too soon. It remains to be seen whether he will be back in contention for the League Cup semi-final this weekend.