Avoiding even more decline is Philippe Clement’s immediate priority at incoherent Rangers

Philippe Clement faces a stern test of his Rangers credentials in the lead-up to Christmas Rarely is there time for a Celtic or Rangers manager to take stock in the middle of the whirlpool of a demanding season, but for both Brendan Rodgers and Philippe Clement, the international break provided, presumably, some desired time for reflection. Celtic boss Rodgers can, within the normal demands of the role, rest easily, in view of his team’s pole position in the Premiership, an Old Firm League Cup Final ahead and – finally – getting to grips with the intense tasks of the Champions League..