Clement's first true test lies ahead

Kheredine Idessane, BBC Sport Scotland

While the early signs have been encouraging, and his win on debut can even be described as impressive, there’s little doubt in my mind that the first real test of Philippe Clement as Rangers manager is about to take place in Prague.

With the greatest of respect to our domestic game, and to one of its biggest sides, the four-goal demolition of Hibs at Ibrox is no real barometer of the Belgian’s ability to affect change and deliver it quickly. A good showing at the home of the Czech champions and league leaders would be.

Hibs have shipped eleven goals to Rangers in their three meetings in 2023 and a domestic win in Govan against anyone other than Celtic, however emphatic, is not much of a measure of the new man. His first European assignment is likely to be a significant step up.

Sparta Prague have yet to lose on their own ground this season, in normal time at least – Copenhagen narrowly edged past them in Champions League qualifying but needed a penalty shoot-out after both legs were drawn. Their only other defeats this term have come away from home in Europe: at Dinamo Zagreb and Real Betis.

They’re quite a force in their own stadium, rattling in 31 goals in nine games at the Epet Arena this term. The Rangers rearguard is likely to be far busier than it usually is in Scotland.

Let’s also not forget that the group stage of the Europa League is a fair step up from the Premiership. In certain media circles there was was a curious lack of respect afforded to Aris Limassol last time around, who had no problems seeing Rangers off in Cyprus on matchday two. Yes, Rangers were poor but Aris, like Sparta and unlike Rangers, are domestic champions. They topped the Cypriot league last season ahead of Champions League veterans Apoel Nicosia.

Winning away from home in European competition is a tricky task for Scottish sides and against an in-form team like Sparta Prague, the challenge for Rangers shouldn’t be underestimated. Not that Clement himself will do anything other than relish the prospect. This is part of the reason why he took the job in the first place. Success at home and abroad is what he’s being asked to deliver, and he’ll have a much more realistic assessment of his new charges on the flight home later this week.

With all four teams sitting on three points in this intriguing group, a draw for Rangers at Sparta wouldn’t be a bad result at all in my opinion. Should Clement claim all three points, and win back-to-back games, the seeds of optimism will suddenly have been sown anew.