Patrick Stewart's first Rangers declaration tested to the limit as Man Utd lesson signals next Clement move

Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart has already thrown his weight behind Philippe Clement - but his support now looks set to go to the ultimate test in the face of defeat to Queen's Park.

The prospect of a trophyless campaign is setting in at Ibrox after the Spiders send the Light Blues crashing out of the Scottish Cup on their own patch. Having already lost out on the Premier Sports Cup with a defeat on penalties to Celtic while trailing Brendan Rodgers' side by 13 points in the Premiership Rangers fans now have to hope their side can bring the Europa League trophy to Glasgow to stand any chance of claiming silverware this term.

Stewart started his work the day after a heartbreaking cup final defeat to Celtic on penalties in November and saw the Light Blues thump their rivals 3-0 at Ibrox in the New Year derby. And speaking at his first press conference last month alongside chairman Fraser Thornton, he distanced himself from a change in management.

The former Manchester United chief insisted he didn't want to consistently show the door to managers - just like had been done at Old Trafford. However, he would offer the Belgian no "cast-iron guarantees" and the chief now faces the biggest call he has had since stepping into the hot seat.

Speaking last month, he said: “There's been a lot of talk about results, and there's been a lot of talk about the manager, and I know that the spotlight is on Fraser and myself, but particularly on me. But that's the job, I'm okay with that.

“I need to make some tough decisions, it comes with the role, but I am committed to making the right ones for Rangers, not just the popular ones. So cutting to the chase, we are backing Philippe at this time as a board. It's about taking a deeper look