Philippe Clement uses revival of Celtic star to make key Rangers point as he issues board transfer plea

Rangers gaffer Philippe Clement has told the Ibrox board he needs January transfer reinforcements.

The Belgian boss has bemoaned the lack of goals his side have scored in the Premiership - just 18 compared to leaders Celtic’s 40. Gers stand-in chairman John Gilligan has previously said there will be resources available to strengthen in the New Year. And Clement - whose side trails their Old Firm rivals by 11 points in the league - admits it’s a necessity to bolster his ranks.

Ahead of the next window, he said: “I’m not going to go into detail, that’s something to discuss with the board. I think we have other parts of the team to strengthen also (aside from forward players) to be competitive every three days. But those are things to discuss with the board. For sure, the funds haven’t been done yet but in the near future we need to see the reality of that.

“Do I feel we need to do it in January to achieve what we want? I think it’s necessary that we can do things. Just like every team wants and every manager wants. So we’ll see what’s possible.”

Clement’s side face Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday night. Dujon Sterling is still a doubt with a nerve problem but Dutch defender Robin Propper is fit to play after being replaced at half-time in Sunday’s 1-0 win over St Johnstone.

Rangers have scored less goals than Dundee, St Mirren and Dundee United so far this season - and the same as second-bottom side Hibs. Clement admits he wants to see more goals from his team and urged the players to be more clinical against Killie - who beat them at Rugby Park last time out.

But he’s also asked for patience with his new forward players. Clement says they need time to settle, just like Celtic winger Nicolas Kuhn