Philippe Clement wades into Rangers B team debate as Jose Cifuentes flips injury script

Philippe Clement hopes to welcome Jose Cifuentes back to action before Rangers jet off for their January break.

The Ecuador star limped off against Real Betis last week, leaving Clement worrying he could be another long-term crock. But Cifuentes – suspended for Wednesday's clash with St Johnstone – is racing to be back fit before the Premiership goes into its winter lockdown after the visit of Kilmarnock on January 2. However, Ryan Jack may have to wait until Rangers fly back Spain before returning to action.

Clement said: “I don’t have a timescale for Cifu but a few days ago we were told it was worse. Now he got a good reaction after rehab so I hope he can be back before the winter break. With Ryan, we will see if it’s before the winter break or not.” Meanwhile, the Belgian says Scottish football needs to follow the B-Team lead set by the Low Countries if they want to take the high road to European success.

Gers pulled their second-string team out of the Lowland League last summer amid concerns over the fifth tier’s suitability for developing young talent. Clement said: “Scottish football is comparable with the Belgian league. Both do not have the most money and have to be smart and develop players while looking also to produce players. T

"here is one disadvantage between the Belgian league and Scotland. Of course, there are a lot of teams fighting to stay in the league, so they are focused on results.

“In Holland, a long time ago, and in Belgium in recent years, they put the best Under-21 teams in the second league and it helped to develop young players. For the moment, I do not think enough young Scottish players are given chances because of all the pressure to stay in the first league and it could be an interesting