Dujon Sterling reveals the Rangers homework from Philippe Clement as he aims to emulate midfield icons

Dujon Sterling used to watch in awe as Michael Essien lit up Stamford Bridge for Chelsea.

As a young full-back he would marvel at the Ghanaian star’s raw power and ability in midfield – not thinking for a second that one day HE would play in that position. Yet when the Rangers ace goes home he now searches YouTube for Essien, along with some of the Premier League’s other all-time top midfielders.

Because new Ibrox gaffer Philippe Clement has somehow found what looks to be the perfect role for Sterling in Gers’ engine room. He arrived as a full-back in the summer with the sole aim of claiming the jersey of club captain James Tavernier. Some would argue it’s the toughest job in Scottish football. Sterling was willing to bide his time before Clement deployed him in the middle of the park.

And the 24-year-old hasn’t looked back since. Last Sunday at Hampden he was voted Man of the Match against Aberdeen in the 1-0 Viaplay Cup Final triumph, which saw him collect the first trophy of his career.

Today against Motherwell he looks certain to start at the heart of Clement’s team. And it will be the same against Ross County on Wednesday and in the big one against Celtic next weekend.

Sterling admits he’s still learning how to play there. And the Englishman has revealed his free time is now spent watching clips of players who mastered the craft. He said: “At home I’ve started watching YouTube videos of midfielders to see what they do. I just want to learn, even though 10 games down the line I might not still be playing in the same position.

“I still need to learn it now and it will help if the manager ever needs to slot me back in there in the future. Hopefully I’ll be able to do the job. I watch the likes of Essien and Yaya