Kenny Miller has hailed Philippe Clement's start at Rangers and he has pinpointed five players the Belgian must build his team around.
The new Ibrox boss got off to a winning start yesterday as his Govan outfit defeated Hibernian 4-0 at Ibrox.
Miller was impressed by the display but he insists it is only a start and he believes Clement's team will only get better.
In his Sunday Mail column, he said: "The first few months could be the hardest of Philippe Clement’s tenure at Rangers. The new manager has come in and will have to work with what he has.
"There is nothing he can do until the transfer window opens in January. So he has to get more out of the current group. He also needs his best players fully fit and available – something Michael Beale never had this season. Clement is going to need his top stars available for selection because no team can operate without them.
"He also needs to make Rangers more cohesive and insert more energy and movement, especially at the top end of the pitch. They have been far too static for the past two seasons in the front areas. Yes, it takes time to make changes but it could also turn out to be an easy fix.
"Clement saw his side claim a fine win over Hibs yesterday in his first game in charge. And if you are clear about what you want and how you want to achieve it then there can be an immediate impact. I’m interested to see what changes he can make in the short-term that leads to a better product on the pitch.
"Can this squad improve though? That’s the million-dollar question. I have still to be convinced although I think there is a team in there. If I was picking that side there would be maybe two of the summer signings in the starting line-up – Jack Butland and one other.
"The rest of the recruits still need to prove themselves. The big-money signings need to turn up now. There is a new manager in the building and he didn’t sign them. So he has responsibility on him to play them. He comes in, wiping that slate clean. Look at Steven Davis, he played young Zak Lovelace ahead of Cyriel Dessers and Sam Lammers.
"They both started yesterday but need to keep performing to stay in the team. Dessers will be feeling a lot better today after his goal in the 4-0 win. Philippe will have seen a few of these players play before in Belgium. Dessers might have done well in Belgium – but at Rangers it’s different. You are required to show more.
"I actually really feel for Dessers. I felt for him about three games in. I have been there and know what he is feeling and going through. That is when you need something inside of you to stand up and be counted. You can’t go under. I am not talking about Dessers but the grumblings and negativity and constant scrutiny is tough.
"It can affect performances and how players are affecting the game or putting themselves in the firing line. Ibrox is not the place for hiding because people notice if players are not putting themselves forward and offering an option for their team-mates.
"I go back to it, I believe there is a team in there, with Nico Raskin, Tom Lawrence, Todd Cantwell, Kemar Roofe and potentially Danilo. These guys have quality and creativity, the right work ethic and can score goals. It has been proven at previous clubs and at Rangers. "We need to see James Tavernier back to his best. He is the catalyst in that Rangers team and has been for years.
"We need Connor Goldson to return to his solid self, not only performing better as an individual but also making his partner better, as he has done over the last few years. Rangers have shown performances that can win games and bring success.
"We just haven’t seen enough of it this season. There hasn’t been a ruthless edge and does this team have that mentality when things are going against you, to dig deep and deliver?
"The manager will find out the answer over the coming months. It is an exciting time for Clement, his staff and the players.
"They are at a club that demands you win and with a bit of style. It is not just about winning. Philippe said the right things at his unveiling. You all want to have the best team, tactically, technically, physically and mentally.
"There will be a real sense of relief now the managerial change has been made. The fans will be looking for wins and vastly-improved performances.
"What does that look like? For me, the performances have to be more energetic and with more passion. Also, a little more desire and running.
"Listening to Clement, that sounds like the type of team he wants to create. It’s up to him to put the detail and plan in place to show these players have more in them."
