Clement needs to hear insanity theory as toiling Rangers boss strung up by Celtic puppet master – brutal Parkhead truth

The internet’s not quite sure who said it, but the phrase “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result” is one Philippe Clement really needs to hear.

But the maddening thing for Rangers is that no matter what formula they come up with in a bid to quell Callum McGregor, nothing seems to prevent the Celtic skipper from toying with them like a puppet on a string. The stunning strike he buried past Jack Butland to put the champions’ 11th win in the last 16 derbies beyond doubt took a helpful nick off Dujon Sterling’s toe.

But then that’s nothing new considering Rangers have been assisting McGregor for years. They should know by now what happens when they fail to come up with a proper solution for handling him. They’ve seen the effects too many times to mention. But intention is one thing, execution another. Clement isn’t the first Gers boss to be confronted with the dilemma.

Michael Beale experimented with sitting off the Hoops this time last year and saw it blow up in his face as he was swiftly hounded out. His successor tried tasking Todd Cantwell and Tom Lawrence with a snuffing-out job last season. The result? Shushburgers are off the menu at Ibrox and Lawrence is still eating humble pie.

This time it was Mohamed Diomande asked to sit on McGregor as Clement gave the high press a go. The Ivorian might have potential but McGregor is nailed-on class and it was no surprise to see Diomande hooked having been given the runaround for 58 minutes.

A nervy, uncharacteristically sloppy start from Celtic was exactly what Clement would have been hoping for. The home support, with no away punters to focus their attention on, groaned as Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales