Rangers going nowhere and Celtic know it as Philippe Clement's Hotline backing comes with warning attached

Time is a great healer but it might take a bit more of it for Rangers fans to recover from Sunday’s Old Firm pain. But some Gers fans are dusting themselves down – and getting behind manager Philippe Clement. At least for now. The Belgian copped flak after the Celtic defeat and there will need to be improvements for the support to stay on board.

Andrew Lamb, Fraserburgh, said: “Clement is a top coach, but he needs time to reach the level where Celtic are already at. To talk about sacking the manager is utter nonsense.” Gordon Hendry emailed: “Like most Rangers fans I'm not surprised by the scoreline at Celtic Park on Sunday. I shudder to think how we will fare against much better teams like Man Utd and Tottenham. Celtic have an easy draw in the Champions League whilst we get it much tougher in the Europa League. Clement will need to uncover a few rough diamonds amongst some of the dross he has been signing recently.”

Dr Robert S. Pender emailed: “Now the dust has settled down. It is clear Rangers are in a rebuild using cheap material. A few extra experienced players should help. The clear weakness is right back and it will help if James Tavernier is rested.”

Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, is more bullish and said: “It's strange with all the criticism of Rangers and how bad they are that Celtic are now world beaters. Let's see how many coefficient points they can achieve for the Scotland in Europe. And any hope of Rangers disappearing, sorry that won't be happening. Rangers will lick their wounds and be back stronger than ever. I know it, you know it and the rest of the league knows it.”

Celtic fans are still on a high though. Eddie Easson, Ballingry, said: “Now Souness has joined the Clement looney tunes ranting on about