Philippe Clement says Hamza Igamane is making “big steps” after scoring for Rangers in the pulsating 1-1 Europa League draw against Tottenham.
The Moroccan opened the scoring just after half-time at a raucous Ibrox to give his side a deserved lead, making it five goals from as many games for the 22-year-old.
Igamane made a slow start in Glasgow after featuring in the previous transfer window, but Rangers boss Clement praised the effort and commitment he is showing to improve.
Speaking to TNT Sports, he said: “Nobody can't be dropped if he plays like that every time. We have to see where his physical level is.
“But he is making big steps forward. A few months ago it was a long wait physically and tactically, but he is one of the guys who has the hunger and desire to grow physically.
“There is a lot of potential in this group to improve.”
FULL TIME: Rangers 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
All levels after a great team performance at Ibrox. #UEL pic.twitter.com/tr61m3PQwK
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) December 12, 2024
Dejan Kulusevski denied Rangers what would have been a famous win against a Spurs side managed by former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou.
Clement believes it is a sign of the growing mentality within the ranks that he and his side were disappointed to come away with just a point against a side that has the fortunes of the Premier League behind them.
“That's what Rangers are all about, it's who I am,” he added. “I want that mentality, I also saw in my team that they were not satisfied with a point.
“We have to keep this hunger and desire to get better. There is a lot of potential in this team, it's about gaining experiences like tonight.
“We have to decide things faster, be more aggressive, react faster. But they've all done it, it's about keeping that hunger and desire.”
One disappointment was the sight of centre-back John Souttar going off injured in the first half, just a few days before Sunday's Old Firm Scottish League Cup final with Celtic.
Clement said of Souttar: “I don't know [how he is] At the moment it is never good if you have to get off in the first half, I don't know the situation.”
Rangers have had a mixed start to the season but have now found some momentum, going nine times unbeaten and winning four in a row before this impressive tie.
Clement is excited to continue that form in Sunday's Scottish League Cup final against Celtic.
“The synergy is back with the fans, they see the work the team is doing, they see the way we want to play and they also impose ourselves,” he said.
“It's going to be a huge final with Celtic on Sunday, it's 50-50 with the supporters, so everyone is happy with that.”
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