Philippe Clement adopts patient Rangers injury approach as Kemar Roofe told 'you can still be key'

The angsty Ibrox support felt Rangers should have been in a bigger hurry to get the goals that would have fired them top on Wednesday night.

But Philippe Clement is adamant he won’t be rushing back the striker who many of those nervous nellies in the stands believe could be the final piece in the Belgian’s puzzle. It’s been yet another season of frustration for Kemar Roofe and the fans desperate to see the former Leeds ace back in consistent action. Be it last year with his Hampden hook against Aberdeen in the Viaplay Cup semis or the strike in Seville that booked Gers’ place in the Europa League last 16, Roofe has proved he can be a man for the big occasion - when fit.

But therein lies the problem, with the 31-year-old once again ruled out due to yet another injury set-back. He’s made 15 appearances this term but those tally to a rather measly 554 minutes having featured an even more meagre six times last term. He was left watching from the sides on Wednesday night as Gers fell a goal short of the margin needed against Ross County to replace Celtic at the Premiership summit.

Cyriel Dessers grabbed a brace but there were plenty of punters who walked out after the final whistle convinced Roofe would have helped himself to an even bigger haul - and the plaudits for sending their team to the table peak - on a night Rangers created an astonishing 42 chances.

Clement has already had to caution the Ibrox legions this week on the perils of letting their anxiety levels get the better of them and their team as the title race pressure mounts. And he warned he won’t lose his head either when it comes to ruling what’s best for Roofe.

“We are going step by step,” said the Ibrox gaffer said on Friday. “He trained today, but with the