Leon King reveals pep talk from Rangers boss Philippe Clement gave him 'spring in his step'

Leon King has revealed a pep talk from new Rangers boss Philippe Clement gave him a “spring back in his step”.

The defender, who played a crucial role in the Champions League for the Ibrox club last season, found himself down the pecking order under previous boss Beale as he struggled for minutes on the park.

Finding himself behind Connor Goldson, Leon Balogun, John Souttar and Ben Davies for a spot in the Rangers defence, King thought that a loan move may have been on the cards.

However, the 19-year-old revealed that welcome talks with Clement gave him a “spring back in his step” after the Belgium told him to stay at the club and fight for his spot.

“Everybody had talks with manager in Spain and mine went really well. He told me stay and fight for my spot and that’s what I’m going to do”, he told STV News.

“As a young one it gives you a lot of confidence, and gives me the chance to concentrate on myself and be the best version of me.

“It’s difficult being a young one as you don’t know where you stand, but after talks with the manager I have a real confidence, and a spring back in my step.”

The centre back, who notched more match minutes than any other teenager in the Champions Leagues last season, also revealed that the Rangers squad is ready to go “all guns blazing” for the second half of the season.

He added: “To be honest, I think he’s amazing with all the lads.

“There’s nobody that he singles or leaves out, so to say. He’s been great since the minute he walked through the door, and I think we needed it.

“I think the groups a lot closer now thanks to the management, and its just about going into this second half of the season all guns blazing pushing forward to the finish line.