“He’s a player I like,” Barry Ferguson acknowledges, adding that he would “love” to see Rangers sign him this summer for £6 million.

Adding to Philippe Clement’s mounting challenges at Rangers, fatigue seems to be taking its toll on the Scottish Premiership club.

This is hardly surprising, given the team has endured a punishing festive schedule while grappling with a defensive injury crisis.

Full-backs Jefte and Ridvan Yilmaz struggled during Thursday’s match at Dundee. Jefte has started 15 games since November, while Yilmaz, usually a left-back, was forced to cover at right-back due to James Tavernier’s continued absence.

Although Vaclav Cerny salvaged a point with his equaliser at Dens Park, even the Czech international showed signs of wear, appearing sluggish in the second half as his energy and final delivery faltered.

Barry Ferguson Praises Cerny’s Impact

Clement faces the challenge of keeping his squad fresh, a task complicated by injuries limiting his rotation options. When Clement has made changes, such as during December’s 2-2 draw at Motherwell, the team has often lost fluency, as seen when Oscar Cortes struggled to make an impact, prompting Clement to introduce Cerny and Hamza Igamane at halftime.

Former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson believes the players must also take responsibility for managing the demanding schedule. Ferguson, who played over 40 games in seven seasons at Ibrox, explained how he managed his energy during busy periods.

“There were times when I felt leggy, but I knew how to manage my tempo to stay effective,” Ferguson told the Daily Record. “Not enough of the current team have figured that out, except for Vaclav Cerny.”

Ibrox Legend Hopes for Cerny’s Permanent Signing

Cerny’s goal at Dundee was his eighth in the Premiership. Across all competitions, the Wolfsburg loanee has 11 goals and seven assists in 31 appearances.

However, Clement recently admitted Rangers might struggle to afford a permanent deal for Cerny, with Wolfsburg reportedly asking for £6 million.

Ferguson hopes the club can secure the 25-year-old, describing him as the most dangerous right-winger at Ibrox since Daniel Candeias.

“He’s a player I’d love to see stay beyond this season,” Ferguson said. “He’s been less prominent in general play lately, likely due to fatigue, but he delivers in big moments, as shown with his equaliser at Dundee. His 11 goals this season have been crucial, directly contributing 14 league points. Without them, we’d be level with sixth-placed St Mirren.

“Whether Rangers can afford the £6 million fee remains to be seen. Hopefully, [chief executive] Patrick Stewart can make it happen.”

Considering Alternatives

Should Rangers be unable to sign Cerny permanently, they may explore more affordable options, such as Malaysian winger Arif Aiman Hanapi. The 21-year-old, a right-sided attacker, has been in sensational form with 15 goals and eight assists this season for Johor Darul Ta’zim and appears ready to move beyond Malaysian football.

Stephen McGown declares that “Clement is a goner,” and Stewart will make the Rangers call.

Stephen McGowan acknowledges that in order to appease Rangers supporters, Patrick Stewart must fire Philippe Clement

The Daily Mail journalist has rendered a judgment on the Belgian’s tenure at the club, given the formidable job the Gers face in trying to regain the top spot in the standings. The Ibrox team is currently 15 points behind their fiercest rivals, Celtic, in the SPFL.

“Forget all the schtick about a young squad, a period of transition, and the need for two or three transfer windows to get things right,” McGowan wrote on January 11.

Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart will provide a media briefing, as promised by Philippe Clement. And now, the only thing the new CEO can say to calm a furious fan base is that Clement is no longer there. Nothing else will do.

“It’s hard to put a pretty face on a pig that has lost £17.2 million and cut the wage bill.”

Philippe Clement is unable to stay with the Rangers.

McGowan is correct; Gers supporters are tired of being misled.

Their top executive’s courageous choice to fire Clement is the only thing that would bring them joy.

One may claim that the board just lacks the resources to proceed with the Belgian’s termination, which has been long overdue.

Stewart must make these decisions since failing to fire him would end up costing them more in the long run.

Clement is not the solution for Rangers, and despite several opportunities to prove his point, he has failed to do so.

The Belgian still seems to be in a comfortable position despite the fact that the Gers are presently 15 points behind Celtic, which would normally be enough for any other manager to be on his way.