Clement tells fans not to expect too much too soon as he prepares for Hibs

Philippe Clement has told the Rangers fans that he is no Harry Potter and urged them not to expect too much too soon as he prepares for his first game as manager.

The Ibrox side host Hibs in Premiership action on Saturday in the Belgian’s debut after replacing Michael Beale in the dugout.

He has asked the home support to be patient and not expect any overnight miracles as he has no magic stick.

Rangers are currently seven points behind league leaders Celtic after only eight games in and will be hoping to cut that gap to four for at least 24 hours with the Hoops not playing until Sunday.

The former Monaco, Club Brugge and Genk manager had good news on the availability on Danilo and Todd Cantwell who he says will both be fit to play at the weekend.

And while he is confident he will improve performances “step by step” he admits Saturday won’t be their best game of the season.

He said: “It’s never perfect from the beginning, that is not possible, but I see the good intentions with the staff and the players. Over the last two days the internationals are back so that has also made a difference.

“I am now looking forward to tomorrow to play the first game and to see the little seeds we have planted this week and see how fast they will grow.

“I have seen a lot of good things, but also a lot that we can make better and we need to focus on that now.

“I hope the fans see a difference straight away but I am not Harry Potter with a magic stick. We can’t change everything suddenly, it doesn’t work that way and that is the tough balance with coming in during a season.

“We have to analyse the squad first and prioritise the things we can make better right away and take it week by week, because if I try to do everything in one moment then I will kill the players. So it needs to be step by step, It is the only way.”

“I am looking forward to Saturday, but I know this will not be our best game of the season and it will not be a reflection totally of what I want.

“I am realistic and not a naïve person but one thing is really important to me and that is to create a bond between the team and supporters again as I think that is crucial for this club.”

“Todd Cantwell will be back and Ryan Jack will be back but they won’t be ready to play 90 minutes.

“Danilo is adapting, wearing a mask during a game is always different, but every day he is getting more comfortable with it. We are going to need him to be available and ready to play this weekend because we have too many offensive players missing at this moment.”