Clement strengthened his squad with deadline-day additions Nedim Bajrami and Neraysho Kasanwirjo

Rangers manager Philippe Clement believes his “young and exciting” group can compete with Celtic’s established side on Sunday, while acknowledging that his “massive rebuild” will take longer than a single transfer window.

Clement strengthened his squad with deadline-day additions Nedim Bajrami and Neraysho Kasanwirjo, claiming that the narrative surrounding his team had been unduly negative.

The Belgian believes many underestimated the club’s task this summer, with six players going for free at the end of their contracts, following the departures of Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent the year before.

“It’s been really busy months and weeks,” he told me. “I mentioned it at the end of last season: it was the end of a cycle at the club. I don’t think everyone understood exactly what I was talking about.

“The squad included many players over the age of 30 who were no longer progressing, as well as players nearing the end of their contracts who were about to leave.

“We have 16 players from last season’s roster who are no longer with us, and those who are not practicing with the squad may potentially leave the club. So that’s a lot; it’s definitely the end of a cycle, and we also have

Clement discussed a four-layered approach to rebuilding: signing experienced players like Vaclav Cerny, Robin Propper, and Bajrami; “high-potential” young players like Connor Barron and Jefte who can make an immediate impact; “young potentials” who will benefit the club in the long run; and giving academy players more opportunities.

He went on to say, “Of course, the more money that comes into a club, the more you can spend.” So it hasn’t been much because of the legacy and contracts of the past.

“So we had to work that way, and we knew. And it is critical to utilize the word ‘we’. That means the board, me, and recruitment. We understood it would take time and was unlikely to be completed in a single transfer window, despite everyone’s best efforts.

“A lot has already been done, but it is not just short-term; it is long-term. If we went short-term, it would have cost more money, which was not feasible. And we must build value for the future.

“I believe everyone together found young, exciting talent and it’s about now working hard to develop them while keeping an experienced core that can guide them on and off the pitch.”

Clement believes a 6-0 victory over Ross County at temporary home Hampden Park last weekend shows that many have been overly gloomy about their chances.

“I think because of a lot of situations there’s been a negative perception around the club, the stadium, elimination from the Champions League,” according to him.

“People tend to forget what is going well. Last week, we won 6-0, although it could have been more. So it isn’t all horrible.

“This is an exciting project with an exciting team right now. It’s not the finished item, and I know we’ll be playing against a team with a lot of experience who’ve been playing together for a long time.

“We are a young, energetic team looking to challenge that right now. But I believe we can contest it and go all in for the three points.”

Albania midfielder Bajrami will not be completely registered in time to face Celtic, and versatile on-loan Feyenoord defender Kasanwirjo is unlikely to play after just one training session. However, except Ridvan Yilmaz, Clement has a fully fit team.