Philippe Clement in discussions with ‘quality’ talent he backs for a major impact at Rangers.

Rangers manager Philippe Clement has at times shown hesitation when it comes to integrating the youngest players in his squad, acknowledging the immense pressure that comes with wearing the club’s famous blue jersey.

 

Even the most experienced campaigners at Ibrox feel the weight of expectation, making it a daunting challenge for young talents trying to establish themselves.

 

Among those emerging prospects, Bailey Rice is widely considered the most promising talent in the Rangers ranks.

 

However, he endured a tough outing in the Scottish Cup, where he was substituted at half-time during the embarrassing defeat to Queen’s Park.

 

The decision raised concerns among fans, some of whom suggested that Rice had been unfairly singled out as a scapegoat for the team’s poor performance.

 

In the aftermath of that game, Clement found himself under scrutiny regarding both his own future at the club and his handling of the young midfielder.

 

Addressing the media before Rangers’ clash with Hearts, the Belgian coach defended his decision to withdraw Rice at the break and revealed that he had spoken to the teenager following the defeat.

 

Clement Holds Talks with Bailey Rice

Former Rangers boss Michael Beale had claimed back in September 2023 that Rice was “ready” for first-team action.

 

However, Clement has taken a more measured approach, insisting that while the youngster has potential, he still has areas to improve—particularly his off-the-ball play.

 

Throughout the current season, Clement has gradually given Rice more minutes, teasing Rangers supporters with glimpses of his talent.

 

But the Queen’s Park match proved to be a difficult occasion for everyone involved, including the 18-year-old.

 

His 45-minute performance at Ibrox was underwhelming, though it was far from the sole reason for the team’s struggles.

 

Addressing concerns that his substitution could hinder Rice’s development, Clement reassured fans that there was no need to worry.

 

He explained that he and his coaching staff routinely hold individual meetings with players to discuss their performances and progression.

 

“Of course, I spoke with Bailey Rice, just as we do with other players on a regular basis,” Clement said.

 

“I understand why people are concerned about him being taken off at half-time, but there’s no reason to doubt his ability to handle this.

 

We held a meeting with Bailey, as we do with others, to ensure he knows exactly what he needs to work on. It’s important to have those conversations individually and collectively.”

 

Rice Feels the Pressure of Playing at Ibrox

 

Rice’s development over the past two years has been closely guided by Rangers’ youth coach Brian Gilmour, who has played a significant role in shaping his progression.

 

Clement emphasized that their meeting with Rice also included Gilmour, ensuring continuity in the way the young midfielder is being nurtured.

 

Clement noted that Rice was honest about his performance against Queen’s Park and admitted that he had struggled to impose himself on the game.

 

The manager suggested that the intense pressure of playing at Ibrox had affected Rice’s performance and insisted that the teenager’s full potential was not on display that evening.

 

“Bailey was the first to acknowledge that he wasn’t happy with his first-half performance,” Clement said.

 

“That’s completely normal—he’s 18 years old, playing at Ibrox for the first time in a major game, and he’s a lifelong Rangers fan. There’s a certain level of tension that comes with that.

 

“I have a lot of belief in Bailey’s ability. I don’t hand out opportunities lightly, especially to young players in big European games or important fixtures like this.

 

He played an okay game, but he didn’t showcase the specific qualities that make him a top talent for the future.

 

His passing ability—particularly his forward passing to break opposition lines—wasn’t evident in this match, and that’s something he needs to work on.”

 

Clement Confident Rice Will Improve from Experience

 

Clement understands that Rangers fans may have been frustrated by his decision to substitute Rice at half-time.

 

However, he pointed out that in hindsight, any choice he made during that match would have been criticized given the magnitude of the defeat.

 

“After the game, people will always say you should have done things differently,” Clement said. “Some might argue that Bailey should have played the full 90 minutes.

 

But if I had done that, I would have been asked why I didn’t bring on an experienced player like Nicolas Raskin at half-time instead.

 

“These discussions always happen in hindsight, but what matters is that Bailey remains highly motivated and hungry to improve.

 

He feels my confidence in him, and he knows that the staff believes in his potential as well.”

 

Clement has never been one to publicly criticize his players, and it is evident that he sees a bright future for Rice at Rangers.

 

While the defeat to Queen’s Park was an undeniably poor result for the club, the manager insists that the experience will only help the young midfielder grow stronger.

 

“I’m very sure of that, especially after our meeting,” Clement said. “It was interesting to see how he reacted to the situation.

 

He was mature in his approach, understood his mistakes, and was eager to learn from them.

 

“He watched his own performance back and recognized where he went wrong. That kind of self-awareness will make him a better player in the long run.

 

This experience will be beneficial for him—it’s just another step in his development, and I have no doubts about his ability to bounce back stronger.”

 

A Learning Curve for Rice and Rangers

 

The Queen’s Park defeat was a painful one for Rangers, but for Bailey Rice, it represented a crucial learning experience.

 

As a young player breaking into a high-pressure environment, setbacks are inevitable. What matters most is how he responds to them.

 

Clement’s handling of the situation suggests that he is committed to Rice’s development, ensuring that the midfielder receives the necessary guidance and support without undue pressure.

 

The Belgian has made it clear that Rice remains an important part of his plans, and despite this setback, he still has faith in the teenager’s long-term potential.

 

While Rangers fans may have been disappointed with the result, they can take some encouragement from the fact that their most promising youngster is learning valuable lessons along the way.

 

Rice’s journey is only just beginning, and with Clement’s backing, he has every opportunity to become akey player for the club in the years to come.