Rangers have got used to being second best for too long and Philippe Clement hasn't helped himself in bid to change it

With every chance Rangers squandered it was impossible not to look over.

In Hampden’s main stand, ironically just where the trophies get handed out, two men sat with their club blazers on. The looks of frustration and exasperation on their faces was noticeable. And for anyone watching the game against St Johnstone, one thing was abundantly clear.

What Philippe Clement wouldn’t give to have a John Brown or Barry Ferguson at his disposal. At the end, the juxtaposition - maybe the only one Gers don’t need a new player in - was quite striking. As the team celebrated in front of a few hundred fans after their 2-0 League Cup victory, you could only wonder what a pair of genuine club legends were thinking. Brown and Ferguson didn’t just adhere to certain standards at Rangers. They set them.

Both were part of different eras at Ibrox. But with 29 major trophies between them, they were in the habit of being successful. And in their day, if any player was caught doing The Bouncy after a routine second round tie, it’s likely Brown or Ferguson would have dragged them back to the changing room by the neck.

Listen, there’s no issue with Clement’s men thanking the punters for their loyalty at the end of a match. But Saturday’s shenanigans were ill-advised. Especially when you’ve got the green half of the city lording it over you and laughing at your expense. It’s one thing appeasing the small Ultra group in your support.

But Rangers have another 45,000 season-ticket holders to worry about. Half of whom failed to turn up at Hampden, such is their dismay and disillusionment at what’s going on at their club. No CEO, no sporting director, no head of youth, a stadium not fit to host games and out of the Champions League. Not to mention the