Philippe Clement delivered a dressing room message to the Rangers Under-18 squad after their 2-1 win in the Scottish Youth Cup Final tonight.
Goals from Findlay Curtis and Josh Gentles earned a 2-1 win over Aberdeen as Rangers lifted the trophy for the ninth time.
And speaking post-match, manager Steven Smith revealed that Clement spoke to the full team after their celebrations on the pitch at Hampden.
"The manager came into the changing room and spoke to the players so he was here, he's noticed a few players and has said a few things in the changing rooms he is really happy with," Smith said.
"Similar to what I am saying now in that he saw quality in terms of their technical ability and then character that he knows they will need at the top end.
💙 Philippe Clement and James Tavernier supporting Rangers U18's at Hampden. #ScottishYouthCup pic.twitter.com/qvlbNMknWi
— Rangers B & Academy (@RFC_Youth) May 1, 2024
"He knows a lot of the faces because the one thing the boys have had since the boys came in is an opportunity to train with the first team. He knows some of the faces and names and I am sure he'll know a few more after tonight."
Asked if he knew Clement was planning on speaking to the youngsters, Smith said: "No, I knew he was coming he told me beforehand and the full first-team coaching staff were here. We got the shout on the pitch when the boys were celebrating that they were to go in and speak to the manager. Credit to him for that, it tells us a lot about the man he is."
Rangers were deserving winners on the night, responding well after going a goal down to a Lewis Carrol strike from a corner.
"They put us under pressure with some good set-plays we dealt with in the main quite well. To go a goal down and show that resistance was the main thing," the Rangers Under-18 boss added.
"We've gone a goal down a few times and coming back in the league campaign is probably easier. I was asking the question out there because this was a different occasion with more pressure. They answered that question which is what you need."
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