Rangers icon sent back to the future after illuminating meeting with Philippe Clement

Ian Durrant insists the law according to Philippe Clement has Rangers toeing a party line that can prove decisive against Benfica.

The Light Blues legend is convinced the Belgian’s zero-tolerance approach and clear messaging has echoes of the Graeme Souness era as neither man suffers fools gladly. A trip to the Estadio da Luz to face the Eagles in Lisbon for a Europa League last-16, first-leg clash is the next test for an Ibrox side that Durrant believes has been lifted by some tough love since Clement’s arrival.

He said: “I met Philippe when the club were doing some warm weather training in La Manga. He’s a straightforward speaker and he outlined his plans for the club. It was similar to what I heard when Graeme first came in at Ibrox and held a meeting with all of the boys. It was only a different scenario as he came in as a player-coach, he also had Walter Smith working alongside him and Souness outlined in a straightforward way exactly what he wanted.

“He told us simply that if any of us weren’t prepared to toe the line then we won’t be involved. Like Clement, it was a straight- forward message as to exactly what he wanted. When Clement arrived, Rangers were in the doldrums. Now they have a Europa League last-16 meeting with Benfica.

“It’s been a remarkable turnaround after only a short time in the post. There are similarities to Souness and his arrival as he came in at a time when the club hadn’t won anything.

“Clement has outlined his plans and the standards which everyone now has to abide by. It’s why there will be a high degree of confidence for Lisbon.”

Durrant remains a huge fans favourite amongst a Rangers support that is now enjoying that feel-good factor after the shambolic start to the campaign under former