Philippe Clement reveals one thing he’s learned about Rangers fans and hopes Jefte can give them what they crave

Philippe Clement says Rangers’ temporary stint at Hampden this season WON’T help their League Cup bid.

The Belgian boss booked a quick-fire return to the National Stadium by beating Dundee to reach the last four. Gers used Hampden as their temporary home at the start of this campaign while Ibrox was being renovated. Clement and his players have had four games at Hampden already and will go back in November for their semi-final. But he’s adamant that it won’t give Rangers an advantage over the other sides left in the competition.

After the 3-0 Premier Sports Cup victory over the Dark Blues on Saturday, Clement joked: “Can we not play the semi-final at Ibrox? We’ve been to Hampden enough.” But when asked if being used to it might help his team in the last four, the Gers gaffer said: “No, I don’t think so. I don’t think there’s a difference.

“Last year, we didn’t play games at Hampden but still managed to do our work there (by winning the League Cup). It will be more like an away game for the two teams in the semi-final.”

A double from Cyriel Dessers - who now has seven goals in eight games for Rangers - and James Tavernier’s penalty was enough to see off Tony Docherty’s side. It was the skipper’s first strike of the season and came off the back of fierce criticism he received after their 3-0 Old Firm defeat at Celtic Park.

Clement took Tavernier off late in the game and he was given a standing ovation from the crowd. Afterwards, he backed his captain by saying: “I think that was normal (the ovation). He played a good game and he deserved that. Maybe after the Celtic game a few individuals crossed a line which wasn’t good.

“I understand the frustration but a lot of people should understand the value they’ve (Tavernier)