Philippe Clement branded 'ridiculous' over Lundstram claim as Rangers boss stuns pundit and punters

Rangers boss Philippe Clement has been blasted for rueing the departed John Lundstram's influence in midfield in the aftermath of the goalless draw with Hearts at Tynecastle.

Despite an impressive performance from debutant Connor Barron in the middle of the park, the Gers were unable to find a breakthrough after missing some guilt-edged chances, while hosts Hearts were also wasteful in front of goal. But after the game, boss Clement made reference to a leadership void left by Lundstram, who joined Turkish side Trabzonspor earlier this summer, a point that has not gone down well with ex-Light Blues forward Gordon Dalziel.

Speaking on Clyde Superscoreboard, he said: "It's a ridiculous statement to come out with, it really is. Sometimes I wonder about the Rangers manager. I know the Rangers fans absolutely love him. They are delighted he's signed. You can say his four-year contract isn't really worth anything, well if they pay him off it's worth a right few million quid.

"He's got to go and win games. I don't think Rangers fans are impressed by what's happening on the pitch. I think the manager's a good, strong character. But like the Rangers fans, show me something else apart from playing just long, hopeful balls."

Fellow pundit and former Celtic full back Mark Wilson also questioned Clement's comment, adding: "I think if you're a player like Diomande or Barron in that central midfield and you think you've done okay today. Then you hear those comments from your manager saying that they missed a player in your position. I wouldn't like that."